This paper summarises investigations on the reliability of GIS in the
USA, including a recent primary pilot survey of US utility experience
over the last 20 gears The early years of GIS introduction were associ
ated with problems with first generation technology, and the resultant
service data shows that such difficulties mag have contributed to ove
rall perceptions on GIS reliability. A review of the design features o
f early GIS is thus presented and related to the design and processing
approaches adopted for proven modern technology. In order to relate t
hese observations to recent experience, the paper includes comparative
analyses with the broader based reliability data acquired from a larg
e number of operational GIS around the world supporting the very high
reliability that can be expected from modern GIS. Implications for GIS
design and advantages for modern practical application are summarized
.