Current and potential uses of geographical information systems The North American experience

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Abstract
This paper provides an overview of developments and applications of geographical information systems (GIS) in North America over the past 20 years, together with some indications of lessons learned and prospects for the future. Most developments in this field have been confined to a small number of sectors, including forestry, land registry, transport and facility planning, civil engineering, agriculture and environment, although progress has been variable. The wider use of GIS has been (and will probably continue to be) inhibited by a number of factors, such as lack of digital base mapping, limited digital data, unawareness among potential users and resistance to new technology, coverage of data, assessment of costs and benefits, technological developments affecting GIS and sources of funds for research to political structures, availability of skilled staff, lack of proper advice, the unwisdom of ‘going it alone’ and management problems (which are as important as technical problems, if not more so). A successful programme of GIS depends on a coordination of effort relating to applications, trained personnel, governmental involvement in R. &D. and development of a source of independent advice.

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