An incremental approach for establishing a geographical information system in a developing country: Saudi Arabia

Abstract

A geographical information system (GIS) is used as an important tool in increasing the efficiency of planning and decision making, leading to a more equitable distribution of wealth and welfare. However, scarce financial and technical resources in developing countries require that a flexible approach must be adopted when developing a GIS. In Saudi Arabia, where the planning and funding decisions relating to municipal services are taken centrally by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MOMRA) and implemented through its regional and local branches and municipalities, the setting up of a GIS is considered essential. An incremental method was chosen for establishing a GIS in the municipal sector by means of several phases. This paper discusses the main steps and strategies for each phase, the level of achievement since the implementation of the Municipal Information System (MIS) in 1983, and current views of the system's future. It was concluded that an incremental implementation of a MIS seems to be a practical and effective solution. However, weaknesses and problems, such as the long period of implementation and a lack of co-ordination between different agencies and offices, must be resolved to ensure ultimate success of such an approach.