Understanding Interorganizational GIS Activities: A Conceptual Framework

Introduction Previous research provides only partial evidence about the trends in interorganizational development and sharing of geographic information systems (GIS) and databases, the obstacles and facilitators of interorganizational activities, and the benefits derived from the joint activities. Anecdotal evidence is provided primarily through conference presentations, usually as a discussion of multi-participant or enterprise-wide developments and data sharing issues (Burton et al. 1998; Di Pollina et al. 1998; Ehler and Petrecca 1998; Hatton 1997; Reed 1998). Those sources provide a foundation for initial recognition of the relevant issues, but they stop short of systematic examination of factors and processes that permeate the efforts in digital spatial data development and sharing. The current GIS literature is scarce Abstract: Widespread diffusion of geographic information systems (GIS) and related proliferation of spatial databases in digital form have prompted the practice of joint development and sharing of geographic databases. The ultimate benefit from the coordinated GIS developments and database sharing is reduced redundancy and duplication of effort and establishment of data partnerships and networks which are the building blocks of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). However, the multi-participant GIS activities are found to be much more challenging then the implementation of internal, single-agency systems and databases. To date, there has not been sufficient knowledge about the factors and processes that influence development and use of interorganizational GIS and databases. This paper provides a systematic literature review and builds a conceptual framework for better understanding and effective management of the interorganizational GIS activities.