Justifying Investment in GIS: A Local Government Perspective

Making a business case for GIS in local government is a complex task for two main reasons: first, a GIS implementation can range from a single, well-defined application in one department to a corporate multi-purpose GIS; and, second, local authorities are complex organisations currently facing major pressures for change considerable uncertainty about their future structure and role. The purpose of this paper is to review the potential use of cost-benefit analysis; to explore tangible and intangible benefits; to identify the costs involved; to explore the effect that a robust GIS strategy can have on the relationship between costs and benefits and to review some of the published material on the cost-justification of GIS in local government. Acknowledgements: I would like to acknowledge the helpful comments of Tony Black, GIS Adviser at the Local Government Management Board and two anonymous referees.