Implementation Of Geographic Information System Research Articles

Evaluating a Corporate Geographic Information System (GIS): A Case Study in a Coastal Rural Catchment

Effective planning in rural regions depends on the availability of an appropriate information base. The development of improved information bases can have a significant positive impact on planning activities. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools that have a demonstrated capability to facilitate improved decision-making. Implementation of GIS in rural catchments has been limited to a few relatively simple applications. The data, software and hardware costs and skills required in establishing effective GIS-based planning appear to have dissuaded investment on the part of individual potential stakeholders. This article describes an approach used to facilitate the development of a corporate GIS facility involving collaboration between industry, the community, government and research agencies in the Herbert River catchment of north Queensland. It details activities aimed at familiarising stakeholders with the basic concepts of GIS and helping them develop an understanding of their requirements and opportunities for the use of GIS. A cost-benefit analytical framework used to evaluate investment in the system is outlined and a method to evaluate non-quantifiable impacts of the project is introduced. In doing so, a strategic approach for evaluating GIS that is broadly applicable for use in other rural contexts is provided.

Opportunities for Collecting Highway Inventory Data With the Global Positioning System

Research is currently being conducted at the Virginia Transportation Research Council to determine some of the problems associated with the implementation of a geographic information system (GIS). The collection and development of the data sets required to drive the GIS are two of the largest expenses associated with GIS implementation. This research looked at the feasibility of using the global positioning system (GPS) to collect point, line, and polygon features that are representative of some of the locational and attribute data required to run the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT’s) GIS. Data sets identified in VDOT’s 10-year GIS strategic plan were collected and transferred to ARC/INFO, a proprietary system, by way of handheld, mapping-grade GPS receivers. Methods for the collection and transfer of the data sets are outlined. Point accuracies of approximately 2 m were obtained. Time requirements and data collection problems are also described.

Human Factors in Adoption of Geographic Information Systems: A Local Government Case Study

How do perceptions, experience, attitudes, and communication behavior of local government employees affect the adoption of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology as an organizational innovation? Nedovic-Budic and Godschalk examine the largely unexplored of GIS diffusion inside local governments in terms of the impact of human factors, internal organizational context, external organizational environment, and GIS management activities. Using a multiple-case study off our agencies within a North Carolina county government, the authors find that GIS diffusion is a very complex process. They conclude that perceived relative advantage, previous computer experience, exposure to the technology, and networking are the most significant determinants of employee willingness to use new GIS technology, while organizational and GIS management factors strongly influence GIS diffusion. The research findings have important implications for devising strategies for effective incorporation of GIS and other information system technologies in public organizations. Computerized geographic information systems (GIS) are increasingly used by public and private organizations as tools for storage, selective retrieval, and manipulation of spatial and nonspatial data. Local governments find GIS technology attractive for three major reasons: (1) spatially referenced data represent a large proportion (estimated at over 70 percent) of data processing in local government agencies (Somers, 1987), (2) information is considered a fundamental resource of government (Howard, 1985; Repo, 1989), and (3) pressure for improving government performance (Osborne and Gaebler, 1992; Gore, 1993) has prompted governments to look for more efficient ways of doing their work. Availability of more affordable computer technology in the late 1980s coincided with the increased interest of local governments in GIS technology and its intensified diffusion. Difficulties in capturing the exact GIS adoption rate sometimes result in inconsistent approximations, ranging from 2 to 3 percent to over 30 percent.(1) In this article, we focus on the factors that influence GIS diffusion in local government agencies. We look at employee perception, experience, attitudes, and communication behavior as they affect the success of GIS implementation. Organizational and management factors are studied as important contextual elements in the diffusion process. GIS Incorporation as Innovation Diffusion Viewing the spread of GIS technology into local governments as a process of technological innovation, diffusion provides a systematic basis for analyzing adoption. Both scholars and local government decision makers need objective information on constraints and opportunities affecting GIS adoption. Diffusion of GIS technology can be observed at both macro and micro levels (Budic and Godschalk, 1994; Onsrud et al., 1993). Macro-level diffusion concerns local government decisions to acquire the technology (Juhl, 1989; Somers, 1991; Wiggins and French, 1991; Budic, 1993a). Micro-level diffusion happens within local governments when their agencies, organizational units, subunits, or individuals decide to implement the technology acquired by the parent government (Leonard-Barton, 1987). Corresponding to the two diffusion levels are the initiation and implementation phases of GIS diffusion (Zaltman, Duncan, and Holbeck, 1973; Rogers, 1983; Onsrud and Pinto, 1993). During the initiation phase, organizations become aware of an innovation (i.e., GIS technology), evaluate it, and decide about acquisition. Implementation encompasses installing the technology, developing a database, and using and maintaining the system. Acquisition of GIS technology is defined as the successful outcome of GIS initiation, while adoption of GIS technology is defined as the successful outcome of GIS implementation. Both GIS initiation and GIS implementation efforts may result in rejection of the technology. …

Implementation of GIS in India: organizational issues and implications

Abstract In this paper, we report results from our study of the efforts of the Ministry of Environment and Forests in India to apply geographical information systems (GIS) for the management of wastelands in the country. Some recent developments in information systems implementation research were drawn upon to provide a framework for case analysis, based on the concepts of social context, processes of implementation, and the linkages between them. We discuss two key aspects of the social context in India, namely organizational structures and the scientific tradition. We next describe the processes of initiation, operationalisation and continuation in the GIS project; and then we analyse the nature of linkages between these implementation processes and aspects of social context. We use our analysis to develop implications for the practice of GIS in India, and more generally in the developing countries. These implications involve: providing a better balance between the technical and social aspects of the pr...

Experiential and Formal Models of Geographic Space

In this paper human experience and perception of phenomena and relations in space are studied. This focus is in contrast to previous work where space and spatial relations were examined as objective phenomena of the world. This study leads in turn to a goal: to identify models of space that can be used both in cognitive science and in the design and implementation of geographic information systems (GISs). Experiential models of the world are based on sensorimotor and visual experiences with environments, and form in individual minds, as the associated bodies and senses experience their worlds. Formal models consist of axioms expressed in a formal language, together with mathematical rules to infer conclusions from these axioms. In this paper we will review both types of models, considering each to be an abstraction of the same ‘real world’. The review of experiential models is based primarily on recent developments in cognitive science, expounded by Rosch, Johnson, Talmy, and especially Lakoff. In these models it is suggested that perception and cognition are driven by image-schemata and other mental models, often language-based. Cross-cultural variations are admitted and even emphasized. The ways in which people interact with small-scale (‘tabletop’) spaces filled with everyday objects are in sharp contrast to the ways in which they experience geographic (large-scale) spaces during wayfinding and other spatial activities. We then address the issue of the ‘objective’ geometry of geographic space. If objectivity is defined by measurement, this leads to a surveyor's view and a near-Euclidean geometry. These models are then related to issues in the design of GISs. To be implemented on digital computers, geometric concepts and models must be formalized. The idea of a formal geometry of natural language is discussed and some aspects of it are presented. Formalizing the links between cognitive categories and models on the one hand and between geometry and computer representations on the other are key elements in the research agenda.

The Use of Geographic Information Systems in Local Government

Countless land-related decisions are made by local units of government. Municipal governments and local offices of state and federal agencies deal with real property, development, infrastructure, and so forth. Many other records such as health and crime data are referenced by geographic location. Individual decisions of local units of government typically have a limited scope and impact. However, as a whole, they shape the way land is used and the built environment is managed. Geographic information systems (GIS) have tremendous potential at this level, both in allowing decision making to be more objective and in elucidating the cumulative effect of incremental decisions. It is also the level of government with a wide range of experience and success with GIS. Local agencies seemingly have the most difficult time using analytic and decision-support aspects of the technologies. Because great potential and great problems exist, this article is focused on GIS at the local level. GISs are now commonly accepted tools in public administration. GIS literature includes description of many kinds of successful applications; missing are anecdotes about orphaned technologies, alienated users, withdrawn funding, and other incidents that undoubtedly occur. To account for performance promised by purveyors of the technology, we need to ask does the technologies. provide better information? - faster, cheaper, more reliable, more precise, more available, and more understandable? It is critical to note that the question is does, not can. The question concerns its actual uses - not its potential. Successful use of GIS depends on technical choices and on the ability, capacity, and willingness of an organization to absorb and use new forms and quantities of information. Organizational and institutional factors may be a greater barrier to successful use of GIS than technical constraints (e.g., Dueker, 1987; Chrisman, 1987; Innes and Simpson, 1993). To make this innovation a useful component of decision-making processes, we should understand the technical, organizational, and institutional impediments to successful GIS use. In this article, I review GIS adoption and use in local government and discuss why successful use has come slowly in many jurisdictions. My observations are derived primarily from GIS implementation in Wisconsin, where local agencies participate in the Wisconsin Land Information Program (Kuhlman, 1993). This program has provided incentives and funding for land records modernization since 1990. This has accelerated GIS implementation and thus provided an opportunity to study factors influencing technology diffusion (Ventura et al., 1993). In the terms of Rogers' (1983) paradigm for diffusion of innovations, Wisconsin local agencies are typically in adoption or implementation phases, while counterparts around the country are in awareness and understanding phases - just learning about GIS. Additional evidence comes from participant observer activities, primarily assistance in the design and implementation of geographic information systems with many kinds of agencies. This has made it possible to probe deeply into organizations, to become familiar with personal traits, attend staff meetings, and so forth, and not just read final reports, attend public meetings, or accept the word of interviewees. Adoption and Use of GIS in Local Agencies To answer questions about the use of GIS, we must distinguish adoption from the many kinds of uses for which the technology is suited. Adoption, at least of hardware and software components of a GIS, is readily observed. GIS vendors' reports indicate that adoption is proceeding at a rapid pace. This is supported by studies of adoption as detailed below. Because the applications of GIS and related technologies are so diverse, it is not possible to assume from adoption that the technology is being used for decision making. In most cases, initial applications of GIS are within the realm of mapping and inventory. …

Implementation and management effectiveness in adoption of GIS technology in local governments

Acquisition of geographic information system (GIS) technology is only the first step toward its effective use by an organization. The research reported in this article compares the relative success of GIS implementation within four agencies of a North Carolina county government. Using innovation diffusion theory as a basis, the research study identified implementation phases, targets, paths, and outcomes in each agency. Outcomes ranged from complete adoption in a school transportation department to failure to adopt in a comprehensive planning section. Implementation effectiveness in these cases depended both on choice of proper strategy, as related to the agency's organizational environment, and on commitment of adequate management resources to overcome institutional and individual obstacles.

The application of spatial data processing to land use conflict resolution in the lal lal water catchment of the Ballarat growth corridor: a case study from chapter one of the Buninyong planning scheme

ABSTRACT Land use conflict within the Lal Lal Water Catchment is between landowners, the Shire, the Water Board and those directing regional pressures for development. It is exacerbated by inconsistency in building permit appraisal outcomes. The deliberations involved would clearly have benefited from access to spatial data sets through use of a Geographical Information System (GIS) during applications appraisal, in that inconsistencies are most obvious when mapped in relation to the criteria applied. GIS methodologies would ensure that information of a high standard was produced. Three strategic points are identified for the implementation of GIS: at the planning scheme formulation stage; the permit application stage; and the formal conflict resolution stage. Reference to GIS at the first two stages presupposes the existence of a local government area (LGA) spatial data base and a GIS/LIS that can output overlay maps. Application of GIS at the third stage is somewhat ‘after the event’. This study suggest...

Implementation of GIS for Water Resources Planning and Management

The geographic information systems (GIS) implementation process starts with the initial decision to use a GIS; proceeds through system selection, installation, and training; and up to database deve...

GIS in Italian urban planning

The paper presents the findings of research into the implementation and use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Italian local authority planning departments. The first part provides contextual information and available data on the diffusion of GIS in Italian local government. This is followed by a discussion of two detailed case-studies undertaken in cities already having 10 years experience in GIS development and use. Based on the findings of these case-studies, and on the earlier evidence presented, the paper suggests that the view of GIS as a “tool” for more rational decision-making, and increased efficiency and effectiveness, may be particularly inappropriate in countries in which these values do not receive high priority. Instead, GIS appears to be a malleable resource able to serve different agendas, through both its technical and symbolic use. In this context, the view of computing as a “package” appears to be useful in explaining some of the characteristics of the cases investigated. Three sets of factors are confirmed as having an important influence on the implementation and use of GIS: the organizational context, people, and environmental stability. In addition, the paper argues that a fourth element, cultural values, plays an important part in shaping the implementation and use of GIS in a given context, and that its significance may be crucial in understanding the experiences of GIS in different countries even when technical solutions are similar.

The impact of geographic information systems on British local government

There is increasing recognition that personal, organisational and institutional factors are likely to have a profound influence on the extent to which the potential of geographic information systems (GIS) will be realised in practice. One of the most important groups of users of GIS is local government. It is generally assumed that the costs of equipment and data preparation combined with the capacity of GIS to integrate data sets from a wide variety of sources makes the development of departmental systems inappropriate. As a result, the implementation of GIS is likely to be accompanied by an extension of corporate activities which could have important implications for existing practices in local government. However, as yet, little systematic analysis has been undertaken which evaluates the underlying assumptions concerning the process of implementing GIS. With these considerations in mind, this paper outlines the conceptual framework and methodology for a project currently underway in Britain, which is exploring the relationship between the organisational context into which GIS are being introduced and the development of corporate practices in local government.

Resolution tolerance in an automated forest land evaluation model

The United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) model was developed in direct response to the National Farmland Protection Policy Act as a consequence of ever increasing demands on the land for nonagricultural uses. LESA's land evaluation (LE) subsystem is a portion of the model designed to determine physical quality of the land for agricultural uses. Previous research has shown that parts of the LESA model can be implemented in automated geographic information systems (GIS). However, no implementation of the forest LE subsystem has been implemented on a CIS, therefore requiring evaluation of land for forestry to be performed manually, one land parcel at a time. Nor have any studies indicated the necessary cell resolution for later incorporation of the LE subsystem within the LESA model. This paper describes a prototype implementation of the forest LE subsystem within a micro-computer based GIS at four separate resolutions. The objective of this project was to test its adaptability to GIS implementation and to ascertain its sensitivity to resolution changes. Results show that the forest LE subsystem is readily adaptable both to GIS implementation and final merger with the site assessment (SA) portion of the LESA model. The model showed little change in outcome as a result of resolution change. Categorical simplification of the modeling process and the broad class values utilized produces this lack of resolution sensitivity, demonstrating that resolution can be selected based on the needs of the SA subsystem.

Organisational issues and the implementation of GIS in Massachusetts and Vermont: some lessons for the United Kingdom

Technological progress in recent years has removed many of the barriers which inhibited the development of geographic information systems (GIS). However, there is increasing recognition that human, institutional, and organisational factors are likely to have a profound impact on the experiences of individual organisations. With these considerations in mind in this paper the author explores the results of a series of interviews with system designers and users in Massachusetts and Vermont. These findings are examined in relation to a conceptual framework which stresses the importance of the organisational context, the individuals involved, and the level of environmental and organisational stability. Given the generally longer length of involvement of the authorities visited in the United States with GIS, the author seeks to identify lessons for the British context. Consideration is given to the similarities and differences between the broad environmental forces encouraging the take-up of GIS in Britain and ...

Microcomputer spreadsheets for the implementation of geographic information systems in aquaculture: a case study on carp in Pakistan

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are being increasingly used for natural resource assessment. In this paper the application of simple microcomputer spreadsheets for the implementation of GIS in aquaculture is considered, using carp culture in Pakistan as a case study.

GIS in Africa: problems, challenges and opportunities for co-operation

Abstract African countries have unique challenges for the development and use of geographic information systems (GIS), resulting from their history, culture, politics, economies, needs and resources. Many of these challenges are similar for other pioneering activities in Africa and elsewhere. These challenges can be eased by more thorough considerations by systems developers, such as in improved software functionality, integration, user interface, documentation and training aids. Increased contact with other GIS facilities in Africa and elsewhere is also important, both in person and through exchanges of publications. Aid agencies can also modify their programmes to make implementation of GIS more successful in Africa. Specific examples and improvements are cited in this article.

Adaptation of Geographic Information Systems to Highway Management

The advent of geographic information systems (GIS) has created a technology with considerable potential for achieving dramatic gains in efficiency and productivity for a multitude of traditional and innovative highway management applications. However, to capitalize on GIS technology, it will be necessary for highway agencies to adapt the way in which they collect, store, and utilize data, as well as undergo fundamental changes in how they carry out technical responsibilities. This paper addresses these considerations through a study of: (1) highway management applications that can benefit from adaptation to GIS; (2) key GIS concepts affecting highway transportation; and (3) issues affecting GIS design and implementation within and between highway agencies. The results of this study are reported in terms of establishing guidelines for successfully achieving full GIS adaptation to highway management.

The economic evaluation of implementing a GIS

Abstract Implementation of geographical information systems (GIS) involves a substantial commitment of resources by the sponsoring agency. Economic evaluation of the proposed GIS is an important step in the implementation process. This article discusses the traditional benefit cost analysis and suggests alternative approaches which may prove useful in situations where the benefit cost model may not be appropriate. A case study of an actual implementation of a GIS which illustrates the approaches discussed is also presented.

Requirements and principles for the implementation and construction of large-scale geographic information systems

This paper provides a brief survey of the history, structure and functions of 'traditional' geographic information systems (GIS), and then suggests a set of requirements that large-scale GIS should satisfy, together with a set of principles for their satisfaction. These principles, which include the systematic application of techniques from several subfields of computer science to the design and implementation of GIS and the integration of techniques from computer vision and image processing into standard GIS technology, are discussed in some detail. In particular, the paper provides a detailed discussion of questions relating to appropriate data models, data structures and computational procedures for the efficient storage, retrieval and analysis of spatially-indexed data.