Evaluating the Effects of GIS Technology: Review of Methods

Abstract

Geographic information systems (GISs) are being introduced into many planning agencies in the United States and abroad. Urban planners find GISs to be effective tools that can help with information management, processing, dissemination, and communication. Yet, initial evidence on the implementation of GIS technology in local governments and planning agencies points to difficulties in getting the systems established and in realizing expected benefits. Technological, database, and organizational factors make it most challenging to get a GIS to fit and adapt to the needs of planning practice. The main sources of evidence to guide the mutual adjustment between GIS technology and planning are evaluative studies of existing systems that examine how these GISs affect planning processes and functions. To date, these studies are scarce. To promote and facilitate assessment of GIS technology in the planning context, this article reviews the frameworks, methods, and criteria that are employed in the fields of organizational studies, information management, and decision support systems.