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Spatial Information Management and Local Governance
Working document for GISDECO pre-conference Workshop on Local
Governance and GIS, 15 May, 2002
management of spatial information within local government organisations. The available
literature in this field primarily deals with developed countries1. A preliminary survey
indicated the need for evaluation studies in this field in less developed countries as well
(Van der Vegt, 2001).
1.05. Some preliminary observation regarding the role of spatial information in local
governance can already be made:
- organisations rather than individuals generally provide the focus for decisions
concerning the adoption and diffusion of spatial information management
- local societies are tied together trough institutions.
- local government generally has a key role to play in managing spatial
information locally but other local institutions need to be included as well.
1.06. These observations, in turn, lead to the assumption that
the inclusion of local institutions in managing spatial information will
support local governance.
1.07. Two examples may illustrate the meaning of this point. First, GIS can support
real-property tax administration. However, a major condition for this is the degree to
which the GIS-application is integrated within the existing institutions of taxation
(including ‘tax compliance’). A second example is within the domain of local-level
planning. Public Participation GIS (PPGIS) has appeared in the literature as promise for
locally supported development. In order to meet this promise, PPGIS must go beyond
aggregating different and scattered opinions of individuals.
1.08. In the subsequent sections, first, local governance as an emerging concept is
briefly discussed. Then, the institutional dimension of local governance is highlighted.
Next, managing spatial information locally is elaborated. At this level, two major issues
deserve attention: access and participatory use of spatial information. Both access and
participation are culturally and institutionally embedded. Consequently, approaches to
deal with cultural differences are discussed as well. Finally, access to and sharing spatial
data as well as participatory use of spatial data and information is briefly elaborated.
2. Local governance
2.01. The recognition that most of the government functions are carried out between
government, private sector and citizens has lead to the appearance of the term
‘governance’ during the last decade. Governance goes beyond government only.
Governance can even be without government or the state2. Many see the quality of
governance as key to development and poverty reduction.
1 See, for example: Campell et al., 1992; Campbell et al., 1995; Grothe et al., 1996; Nedovi-
Budi et al., 2000.
2 Kersbergen et al., 2001
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