ABSTRACT
This chapter explains that geospatial-visualizations are part of an extremely broad array of institutional arrangements that contribute to a successful or unsuccessful integration of geospatial-visualization tools and techniques into spatial planning processes in order to enable the sustainable city and creativity. It describes how new technologies, and specifically Geo-information and communications technology (ICT), are accepted and implemented. The chapter provides several theories that explain how they are taken up within organizations and diffused through society, and the user's role in the diffusion-process. It presents a number of case studies to illustrate the role of Geo-ICT for public participation. Before an organization can implement new Geo-ICT technologies it must first have a stable infrastructure for storing and sharing spatial data, a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI). The chapter explains the initiatives taken by governments to set up SDIs, considering and comparing the efforts taken at both the national and international level.
