Because at least 70 to 80 percent of the average local government's work involves land or geographically related issues or tasks, cities and counties are investing heavily in information systems that can support or justify land-use decisions and help them manage government services. The greatest portion of such investment has been in GIS technology that stores, analyzes, and displays land-related data. For local governments, a GIS is "a computer technology that combines geographic data (the locations of man-made and natural features on the earth's surface) and other types of information (names, classifications, addresses, etc.) to generate visual maps and reports." A GIS uses geographic location to relate otherwise disparate data and provides a systematic way to collect and manage location-based information crucial to local government. Part 1 of the book describes GIS tools and their implications for local government decisionmaking. Attention is given to the development of GIS programs and capabilities as well as design principles to guide GIS use. In addressing the uses of GIS in local government, Part 2 contains chapters on the integration of public values by using GIS technology and using GIS to promote efficiency, equity, community viability, and environmental quality. Part 3 focuses on policymaking in an age of GIS, as chapters discuss ethical and legal issues, the implications of GIS ownership, and using maps to build community through "visual stories." 24 references, chapter notes, and numerous illustrations