Abstract
The scale of the geographic information systems (GIS) makes it necessary to study the diffusion of this technology and its impact on society as a whole in some depth. This chapter summarises the findings of research on the diffusion of GIS in local government in Europe which has been undertaken in the context of the European Science Foundation’s GIS Data programme. This includes nine national case studies of GIS adoption in Denmark, France, Germany, the UK, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland and Portugal as well as two more wide-ranging studies of organisational perspectives on GIS implementation and the development of contrasting scenarios which highlight some of the negative as well as the positive consequences of GIS adoption and implementation. Urban applications in medium and large cities predominate in Denmark, France and Germany. The question of professional cultures is closely linked to the responsibilities that have been given to local government in different European countries.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
