The development of GIS in municipalities in Gauteng, South Africa and it's integration into the Town & regional Planning departments within. Hester Marais Head of Department University of Johannesburg, South Africa, South Africa Email: hmarais@twr.ac.za The development (integration) status of GIS in municipalities (Local Authorities) in Gauteng, South Africa. In what follows, I want to sketch a profile on the development (integration) status towards GIS into Local Authorities in Gauteng, South-Africa. This 2005 study is compared to a previous study done in 1995 by Barnard on the status of GIS in Local Authorities in Gauteng, South Africa, identifying problems related to GIS integration. The focus will be towards addressing the development (integration) status of GIS with regard to its existence within the different Local Authorities; the availability of GIS to the different departments; accessibility in terms of data; the use of GIS and problems experienced by departments. I will start to give a general background assessment of status quo with regard to application of GIS in municipalities. Then I will give a background assessment of status quo with regard to the different Local Authority regions that exists within the Gauteng province and follow this up with a general assessment of status quo with regard to the Town & Regional Planning departments within these Local Authorities in Gauteng. I will provide a detailed analysis of current issues dealt with regard to how GIS has developed (integrated) within the Local Authorities and the Town & Regional Planning departments with regard to: Local Authorities in Gauteng, South Africa. • Existence of a GIS • Which systems exists • Software • Maintenance • The use of GIS by the Local Authority • Availability of data • Custodianship • Accessibility of data • Intranet/ Internet • Management • Use of GIS by Local Authority I do not claim that where a lack of development (integration) exists, that it is based on one factor specifically, but that merely the negative effects that exists are based on not only a lack of implementation within these regions and departments but may have been influences by a broader sphere such as the education sector which also need to be in place towards better understanding and practical application potential of GIS in the Town & Regional Planning profession. My purpose in this essay is not to assign blame or ascribe responsibility for any negative effects, where applicable. I depict the possible consequences that may be experienced within the profession should education and industry not be stream- lined. Some of these consequences may sometimes be devastating and may require everyone’s serious consideration, as it does not only affect the municipality but departments within as well as other engineering professions.