Local government has the unique role and responsibility to develop, control and regulate the geographic, social, and economic environment of a defined local area. In democratic societies, local government also informs and involves citizens in policy and operational areas. When these functions are carried out well, the overall quality of life for citizens and ratepayers is enhanced.
Lewis Mumford observed in The City In History, “The chief function of the city is to convert power into form, energy into culture, dead matter into the living symbols of art, biological reproduction into social creativity.“
It is not unreasonable to expect, and indeed demand that our cities not only function well, but also amplify the inputs brought by its population, and flowing through its infrastructure. This is the magic of every great city, and the charm of every liveable community.
Effective deployment of geographic information systems (GIS) is becoming essential to the efficient functioning of local and regional government. Citizens and ratepayers expect to not only “see my house”, but also see, understand, and communicate about characteristics of their community including their streets, transportation options, water supply, public works department, trash collection, schools, crime, wild fires, local businesses, opportunities for community involvement, available services, and of course, their house.
One of the single best indications of the essential nature of GIS is its widespread, albeit not universal, use by local government bodies to more efficiently and effectively perform their role and responsibilities. This widespread use extends to GIS applications in planning; zoning; land-use regulation; asset management; public works; service delivery; law enforcement and public safety; disaster planning, response, and mitigation; and many other areas. GIS has also proven to be highly effective in informing and engaging citizens, enabling economic development, and serving the business community. In addition to a compelling and interactive map, results of GIS analysis are immediately available for quick action and better decisions.
Decades ago, the proving ground of GIS was in urban and regional planning efforts. The findings of the 2013 GIS in Local Government Benchmark Study demonstrate that this will remain a core area for the technology well into the future. However what we are also seeing the use of the technology expand into more advanced functions, widely available imagery and base maps, and an intuitive user experience.
GIS is now an important component across most functions of government. It enables government officials and staff to better serve and involve all stakeholders. GIS has become a platform for the well informed conversation between citizens and their government.
GIS technology is indeed working to help local government fulfill Mumford’s vision of the city as a place of heightened form, culture, art, and social creativity.
The 2013 GIS in Local Government Benchmark Study is a landmark technology study conducted by Esri Australia and the Surveying Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI), which surveyed 150 representatives from the local government to explore how local councils use GIS.
Its specific key areas of focus included: GeoDesign and sustainability; web 2.0 technologies; Gov 2.0; and emergency management.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Dave Byers
Quelle/Source: futureGov, 25.06.2013
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