Implementing a geographic information system : guidelines for local governments

The purpose of this thesis is to develop guidelines and gather information that could increase the likelihood of successful GIS implementation. The CIS implementation process is a highly complicated procedure that remains poorly documented. It is the researcher's hope that this study will substantially add to the limited body of knowledge that currently exists. One of the main problems that local governments have in developing useful information is the inability to ask vendors and consultants the appropriate questions. This study will attempt to ask all the "right" questions to acquire information on: a) key participants b) role of key participants c) organizational structures d) selection of system components. Readers should note that the purpose of this study does not include identification and clarification of the many technical issues related to the integration of hardware, software and data conversion. While technical issues are of vital importance and should not be overlooked when implementing a GIS, the issues are site specific in nature, require specialized knowledge and would be of limited value under a generic study.