Local government professionals engaged in a wide range of tasks need to understand the development of potential applications of GIS. Awareness is growing of the benefits that GIS can bring to a wide range of local authorities and in a number of ways.
The book describes a series of representative case studies taken from a variety of authorities in the UK. In each instance it examines what triggered the authority's initial decision to adopt GIS, explores the types of problems that it encountered and highlights a number of areas of best practice. It reviews the capabilities and limitations of existing techniques, considers the human factors that affect the take-up of GIS (including consideration of training needs), and explores the future of GIS in local government.
It will appeal to all those considering a new GIS or developing the future of GIS in Local government.

Decked out in Christmas garb, set against evocative backgrounds-from Charles Dickens's London to the ice floes of Antarctica-an adorable dog strikes a pose. The scenes aren't always ornate: Peter Thorpe's first dog Christmas shoot involved his dog, a pair of antlers and a red nose. From Rudolph in 1990 to Santa in 2015, his dogs, donned in festive costumes, have adorned cards every December. In Bark! The Herald Angels Sing, the photographs-and outtakes-include Paddy as a tree-topper and Raggles dressed as Ebenezer Scrooge. Thorpe made his own sets and props, and used no digital retouching. Describing his inspiration for each card, with humour he suggests how readers might attempt to capture the scenes with their pups.

As early pioneers in the use of digital geographic data, many local governments in the UK were ahead of their counterparts in central government and the private sector in the application of GIS technology. To meet current challenges, local authorities must coordinate the latest technology with effective information management strategies, human and cultural issues, and organizational structures and processes. Geographic Information Management in Local Government examines the factors that are necessary to ensure that real benefits are delivered from the improved availability of geographic information. Written by two practitioners with extensive government experience, this four-part book examines supporting technology, the data that fuels it, and the human factors that help or hinder successful GIS implementation. Exploring the history of geographic information management in local government, this volume offers a pragmatic overview of the subject and what local authorities need to do in order to be successful. The Introduction covers the emergence of Geographic Information Management (GIM) and GIS in local government and explains why they are important. Part 2 explains the key elements of human and organizational issues, data, the technology toolbox, GIS selection and implementation, and coordinating mechanisms. Part 3 provides in-depth analyses of nine case studies on the use of technology by local UK authorities. Part 4 looks forward to the prospects and challenges for further GIM by local governments.