ABSTRACT
This chapter concentrates on the underlying reasons that stimulated adoption of the technology and describes the technological and organizational characteristics of the geographic information system (GIS) being implemented. It examines the type of applications that were being developed and the extent to which the systems were actually being utilized. The findings of the case studies suggest the stimulus for GIS adoption to be largely symbolic and political in nature. The remaining nine systems demonstrated a less direct relationship between GIS adoption and the main area of application. In some cases the technology was purchased prior to a specific need having been identified. In addition to exploring the reasons behind GIS adoption the investigations also examined the sources from which organizations gained information about the existence and potential of GIS technologies. A critical element of any computer-based system is people, both in terms of their propensity to facilitate implementation and the cost implications of devoting staff time to a project.
