The use of geographic information system in local government's modernisation: A case study from the northwest of England

Abstract

Purpose

Despite a number of studies that have demonstrated the potential of geographic information sharing and analysis in enabling the delivery of modernised e‐government services, there is a growing need for an evaluation of the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in local governments. The purpose of the paper is to explore the possibilities in this regard by establishing an evaluative framework based on e‐government development models. In addition, the paper will provide some preliminary findings of a case study from the northwest of England, where the framework was used.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an evaluation framework which connects GIS use in local governments, with e‐government development models. Semi‐structured interviews were used in a case study of some local governments in the northwest of England. The findings are then compared and contrasted with findings from a critical literature review.

Findings

The framework is considered as useful in evaluating the development and use of GIS in local governments under the e‐government banner. The results illustrate a wider use of GIS in local governments in the northwest of England and its close connection with the e‐government strategy. The study also indicates many local governments are still facing social, technological and organisational challenges in different stages of the development of advanced GIS use.

Originality/value

The paper presents an evaluation framework designed for a new and specific perspective regarding the connection of e‐government and the use of GIS. Developing benchmarks with the framework should help politicians and other stakeholders to compare their initiatives with similar ones in other local governments. The paper would also help practitioners and decision makers to understand possible challenges in achieving such modernisation and the potential solutions at different stages development.

Citation

Zhang, X. (2012), "The use of geographic information system in local government's modernisation: A case study from the northwest of England", Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, Vol. 6 No. 2, pp. 206-222. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506161211246935