Managing Geographic Information Systems in the Public Sector

Geographic information systems emerged in the 1970s and have become significant decisionmaking tools as their capabilities have been enhanced. This chapter includes a brief discussion of various GIS applications and a more detailed discussion of issues that public managers should consider when evaluating implementation of a geographic information system. GIS applications provide benefits at the basic level in terms of producing maps efficiently, at the planning level through the use of database applications, and at the management decisionmaking level through an ability to access relati . onal databases for policy level decisions. Issues impacting GIS implementation include: needs assessment, project planning, access to public records, liability issues, public and private partnerships, dissemination of information and privacy issues. Public managers should be aware of difficulties associated with justification of costs associated with GIS implementation and that a hesitancy exists on the part of GIS program managers to share missteps and implementation failures. Dr. Mark C. Hoffman Phone: 616 771-6587 e-mail: [email protected] School of Public and Nonprofit Administration