ABSTRACT
Local and regional studies are a very obvious field for the application of geographical information systems (GIS). Whenever a national statistic is disaggregated into its component geographical areas, with their myriad potential different groups of land uses, buildings, employers and households, it invariably involves the application of computer technologies for the storage, retrieval and analysis of data. The necessity of computer assistance is increased when incorporating updates and time-series analysis. As will appear in this and succeeding chapters,, most of the fields of data measurement of Part A have produced equivalent information systems. However, progress varies according to the importance of the topic for central government, local government and the private sector. Systems developed, say, within one county planning department may use different standards, technology and definitions from those of another.
