Beyond Maps: GIS and Decision Making in Local Government

This book explores how Geographic Information System (GIS) technology can improve (or threaten) the ability of local government officials to make good decisions. The focus is on GIS uses that support policy making and how such uses affect fundamental concerns for efficiency, equity, community viability, and the quality of the environment. Part I discusses the capabilities of GIS technology for decision support. Chapter 1 provides an introduction. Chapter 2 identifies the unique qualities of GIS products and displays and explores how they can influence decision makers in ways that other forms of information do not. Chapter 3 focuses on the dimensions of GIS programs--technology, administration, and policy--and suggests a number of factors a manager should consider in developing capabilities in these three areas. Particular emphasis is placed on the issue of sharing GIS data (the range of potential sharing agreements among local governments and other GIS providers is outlined). Chapter 4 explores conditions under which certain types of GIS use are or are not appropriate. Part II looks at how GIS technology is currently being used in local government. Chapter 5 discusses the four dimensions of value that play a role in public decision making--equity, efficiency, community viability, and environmental quality. Chapters 6 through 9 use concrete examples to show how GIS can be used to radically redesign the work of individual local government departments, resulting in a much better integration of policy making and program management with these public values. Part III covers important issues raised by the use of GIS technology in local government. Chapter 10 addresses implementation, ownership, management, and strategic use. Chapter 11 discusses accessibility and privacy, concerns about public investment and private profit, and the ethics of GIS use. Chapter 12 looks at strategic uses of GIS technology and mapmaking as story telling, and suggests ways in which a GIS may fundamentally change local government policy making.