A framework and conceptual guidelines for the implementation of Geographic Information Systems in the government agencies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This thesis outlines a framework and development guidelines for the implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in government agencies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and provides an overview of GIS technology, its computer environment and fundamentals. Furthermore, it evaluates institutional and organizational issues related to GIS development in the KSA. Finally, it provides a pilot project for examination in the field of GIS as applied to transportation. This project was conducted at the Geographic Information Systems Division (GISD), of the Surveys, Mapping and Remote Sensing Sector (SMRSS), under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Carleton University and the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources (EMR), Canada.;The pilot project data was obtained through a questionnaire distributed to and interviews conducted with, several government agencies in the KSA. The resultant analysis indicated that the use of GIS technology is still in the early stages and provided an insight into the future direction of GIS in these agencies. The information derived from the above survey, combined with the current literature and practices of GIS technology as taken into consideration when developing the guidelines for GIS implementation in this thesis. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).