Public Participation GIS—Barriers to Implementation

Abstract

Although GIS technology has become an important decision-support tool in many private and public organizations, its potential as a resource in local public policy debates has yet to be realized. Creating a supportive climate for public participation requires much more than software and hardware enhancements. In urban communities, access to comprehensive information is limited. Highly charged political environments and a dearth of successful community programs complicate public policy debates. Organization of community data systems and support in the use of GIS tools in policy analysis are important to successful public participation.