A study lead by Z. Aslıgül Göçmen and Stephen J. Ventura in the public planning agencies of Wisconsin has proven insightful as to why so many barriers to GIS implementation exist, and what may be done to improve usage and effectiveness of GIS in the planning workplace. Early researchers saw barriers as falling under one of the three realms of technological limitations, organizational factors or institutional issues.
In addition, the role of planning support systems (PSS) which are tools that aid planning processes and functions, and often are GIS-based. PSS capabilities consist of projections that would take place under given scenarios, and are often relevant for multiple stages in planning. Notably, PSS users need not have sophisticated technical capabilities to accomplish what they do.
In 1999, the state of Wisconsin passed the Wisconsin Comprehensive Planning Law, which mandated that municipalities and counties (those engaging in official mapping, subdivision regulation or zoning) prepare comprehensive plans by 2010, proved to be the most comprehensive of planning efforts in the state’s history. This makes Wisconsin, which has seen its implementation level rise from 30% before the law to 38% with an additional 34% preparing plans in 2008.
The study surveyed barriers to GIS use in planning, starting with a 2007 web survey of Wisconson planning practitioners. 1,192 individuals from 256 public agencies were invited, and the 265 responding participants (48% response rate) were given open-ended survey questions to identify the top three barriers to use in their own departments’ planning efforts. They gave responses for GIS as well as PSS. Supplemental follow-up interviews with 20 practitioners also helped solidify results and give reasoning behind them. Questions ranged from size of department to accuracy of data, and results showed a number of factors such as training and funding as impediments to GIS use (see Figure 1 below).
Results can also be seen in response to impediments to PSS use (Figure 2 below).
The study recommended several remedial steps that would help implement GIS into the planning environment effectively. Currently, only about 10% of planning departments in the U.S. have requirements related to GIS.
Recommendations included first, workshops and classes to highlight the potential uses of GIS for various analytical, public participation and visualization purposes. Another recommendations included Internet-based training, accessibility of workshops, the opportunity to discuss the future of GIS in workshops (most classes do not go beyond basic technical functions), and to promote networking within the GIS community.
A concerned effort remains, persistently wanting to implement GIS functionality in the realm of local government. The question remains as to the future uses of GIS, but perhaps understanding the technology itself can lead to a greater understanding of where GIS will be in the coming years.
Source: Gocmen, Z. J. (2010). Barriers to GIS Use in Planning. Journal Of The American Planning Association, 76(2), 172.
GIS seems like a miracle to me - it's an incredibly useful tool applicable in almost infinite scenarios. It's a really interesting point that people who don't understand GIS can't see its value. The obvious solution that these researchers are working on is to educate people. I don't mean to be rude or discriminatory, but I would not be surprised if most of the people involved in the study are from older generations who are less adaptable to technology in general. If this is the case, then surely the problem will correct itself as time goes on and younger individuals trained in GIS enter the workforce. Great job!
ReplyDelete