Geographic Information Systems for Environment and Development: Inaugural-Dissertation - GRID Information Series No. 19

This document evaluates how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can support sustainable development in developing countries through a three-part program: literature review, a conceptual model, and field assessments in Uganda and Nepal. Using Participatory Action Research, it argues GIS delivers greatest value by communicating environmental information, enabling institutional networking, and informing policy, while recognizing modest modeling capacity under uncertainty. The model separates GIS “potential” (networking, visualization, inventory, analysis) from “conditions” (institutional, funding, professional, training, technology, data). Case evidence shows early facilities emphasizing technology promotion and institution building over applications, with limited delivery of decision-ready information to policymakers.