Many vendors are merely intermediaries who want to contract you, offer (at most) project management, and then outsource the work, often for minimal effort. Always request a meeting with their “technical” leader for technical due diligence during the call to verify their expertise. You’ll quickly identify who truly understands the subject.

To avoid falling for overpromised capabilities when evaluating GIS vendors, here are some best practices: 1. Define Clear Requirements: Outline your project’s specific needs, goals, and deliverables. Break down functionalities, data types, analytics capabilities, integration needs, and budget limits. This clarity will help you objectively evaluate each vendor based on your unique needs. 2. Request Demos and Pilot Programs: Ask vendors for real-time demonstrations that match your project requirements. Even better, request a short pilot program where the vendor implements a sample of your project, letting you see their tools and capabilities in action.