Unfortunately, not all government GIS projects are a success, and most usually end up in failure. There are a wide number of reasons for this. Through understanding and learning from the mistakes of previous government GIS projects, we can evaluate and analyze how to avoid these same mistakes from being made in the future.

 In today's technoloical era, Geographic Information Systems are becoming increasingly important. GIS mapping is vital to governments and agencies for its vast range of uses. It is primarily used as a decision making tool and is essential for urban and regional planning. GIS mapping software allows access to a massive amount of data that can be manipulated, monitored, analyzed, combined and modeled to display visual information clearly.

 Despite the numerous advantages that come with GIS mapping software, most governments and government departments that have spent large sums of money on GIS software have failed with it. This is mainly due to the software rarely being utilized to its full capabilities. There is often inadequate or little understanding of such complex computer based systems. The implementation of GIS technology is often wasted due to lack of skilled or untrained personnel, difficulty in transferring, using, and managing information. The inability or unwillingness of governments and government departments to change economic and social conditions often hampers implementation.

There are 7 main issues with the way most governments and government agencies carry out their activities. These are:

• Lack of focus and continuity.
• Record keeping issues.
• Data management issues.
• Operational arrangement.
• Information technology infrastructure.
• Personnel issues.
• Inadequacy of pilot. 

One of the main reasons for GIS projects failing is a loss of focus, or understanding of how to use the software. There should always be a clear vision as part of the planning stage, involving all users of the software. Another important factor is the project site location and environment. All projects have their own politics, constraints and opportunities. This is a major factor to consider to ensure project success. 

 GIS software often has a significant effect on the activities of an organization. A strategy should be considered to account for the structure of the agency or organization. The skills of staff and their ability to learn complex GIS software must be considered. Many government agencies and organizations are unable to deal with their own organizational and political problems. Appointments of consultants and various staff are still heavily based on local politics, rather than for the benefit of project success. 

 Staff training is a very important issue to consider before an organization or agency should invest in GIS mapping software. Staff have to be trained and educated in managing and using a GIS system. This also means many new members of staff must attend minimum training in GIS. Inadequate training for those responsible for managing, implementing and using a GIS system will certainly result in project failure. Without vision, understanding and commitment to a project, very little will be achieved. 

GIS training should be done in 3 stages:

• Shortly before the acquisition and implementation of a GIS system.
• During the implementation of the GIS system to improve the application.
•  At regular intervals after the GIS system is implemented in order to have up to date GIS knowledge and monitor progress. 

GIS projects should receive adequate support from decision makers and politicians for a project to work. Active support should be solicited throughout the project. Users should be involved in the GIS application development and other aspects of the implementation process. 

Planning is the most important phase in GIS implementation, however many try to overlook or create shortcuts due to political or administrative pressure. Inadequacies in the strategic planning process is also an important factor. (Lack of follow through and failure to oversee the plan). Legislation is often required for implementing a GIS system for land use planning and management. An officially recognized policy will ensure institutional support if the implementation spans over many years and if there is a change in the political or economic climate. 

Communication is vital for the successful implementation of a GIS system. There is currently a lack of accurate and current data for urban areas. Where data is available, it is often viewed as a commodity and hoarded. Low cost but high tech solutions should be applied for data gathering.  

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