Supplemental readings in GIS and public management Geographic Information Systems and the Public Manager

Computerized mapping provides a powerful way to present and identify many types of spatial relationships. This type of data presentation and visualization is possible through software called geographic information systems (GIS). GIS is viewed as one of the most important developments in computer technology since the advent of the computer spreadsheet (Raymond, 1997). The application of GIS technology in the public sector is an issue receiving growing attention from public administrators, management consultants, and academics. In recent years, numerous publications have broadly described the utility of GIS in the conduct of various governmental activities, especially at the state and local levels. Numerous case studies depict the uses of GIS in urban planning and public service delivery (O'Looney, 1998). Some of these studies document the potential efficiencies to be gained through the use of GIS. Others describe the various organizational issues involved in adopting GIS technology, such as start-up costs, data collection, maintenance, and personnel requirements (Ventura, 1995; Nedovic-Budic and Godschalk, 1996). In addition, a growing number of studies demonstrate how GIS may be employed in conjunction with traditional public policy research and program evaluation strategies (Garson and Biggs, 1992; Eagles, 1995). The purpose of this chapter is to present an overview of the uses of GIS technology in the context of public sector decision making.