ABSTRACT
The work of the geographic information systems: data integration and database design (GISDATA) programme has been largely organised around a series of specialist meetings on particular topics. The study of geographic information systems diffusion processes is of considerable interest for two main reasons. First, it indicates the extent to which the new technologies have been taken up by prospective users. Second, it also draws attention to the contextual factors that facilitate and/or inhibit the diffusion process in particular circumstances. During the lifetime of the GISDATA programme, there have been major developments in both North America and Europe with respect to the concept of data infrastructures. The specialist meeting format adopted for the GISDATA programme proved particularly successful. Participants in the GISDATA programme have also been very active in the consultations regarding the creation of the European Geographic Information Infrastructure as well as in a number of other data policy matters relating to the European Union.
