An examination of GIS success within local government departments in the U.K. and in Trinidad and Tobago

The levels of GIS use in local government departments in the U.K and in Government Departments in Trinidad and Tobago are examined. A representative sample of 22 local government departments in England and Wales and 10 government departments in Trinidad was used. The “success” in the level of GIS use as well as implementation approaches was evaluated based on two sets of five indicators derived from the literature. The indicators were used as benchmarks against which the performance of the departments was assessed and ranked. The results indicate that GIS use and implementation levels vary. These variations showed a significant relationship to the approach adopted by each of the authorities in introducing and implementing GIS. The outcomes also indicate that GIS implementation and usage in Trinidad and Tobago are similar to those in the U.K. but with a time lag of about five years.