THE ROLE OF GIS-BASED SPATIAL-ANALYSIS IN STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT IN LOCAL-GOVERNMENT

While GIS is becoming more commonplace in local government, the applic ation of GIS-based spatial analysis is less well developed, as GIS app lications have tended to focus more on improving the efficiency of pro cessing administrative tasks and on asset management rather than on '' higher order'' managerial tasks. The objectives of this paper are to r eview recent trends which are affecting the role and structure of loca l government; to review briefly the role of GIS in local government; t o discuss the potential for improving spatial analysis in a public pol icy development setting; and, finally to develop a research agenda whi ch will seek to enhance the role of GIS-based spatial analysis in stra tegic management both in local government and in other organisations c oncerned with the development and implementation of public policy.