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GIS was introduced in Tanzania in line with global developments in IT applications. All over the world GIS is influencing the performance and functions of many organisations, be they governmental or private due to its unique capability in handling spatial and non-spatial data. The use and application of this technology in Tanzania is inevitable and has already begun. The beauty of GIS is that it provides a mechanism that allows the user to visualise information in new and revealing patterns, relationships and trends not feasible with other information systems. In Tanzania, the use of GIS technology is still in its infancy. Many organisations in Tanzania are now using IT facilities and a considerable amount of money has been spent on the procurement of hardware, software and training in Information Technology. However, very little has been realised in terms of effective use of these investments. GIS technology, which underlies IT facilities, has not come into wide organisational use. The role of GIS in data management and decision-making is yet to be explored by potential end-users. It is therefore thought that technical barriers exist to adoption, implementation and management, due in part to lack of GIS knowledge or awareness and understanding of the technology and its functional capabilities. There are a few GIS projects in the country led by local or overseas organisations. These too are hampered by problems ranging from non-existent expertise, little IT experience and lack of awareness from upper management to low-level users of geo-database concepts. Generally speaking, there is very little understanding and awareness of GIS technology in the country as a whole. No adequate efforts were initiated to make GIS available to the extent this has been done for the Information and Communication Technology sector in Tanzania. |
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