Abstract:

This dissertation research explores the process of GIS spatial knowledge production by Dane county, Wisconsin and examines the various contextual factors that shape the county's GIS spatial knowledge production process. It has been argued that GIS is uniquely shaped by the local cultures, societal mores, institutional norms and political conditions and questions regarding interrelations between such conditions and GIS growth and development need further examination.

Theoretical framework integrated from GIS and Society and GIS diffusion in Planning Organizations literature have been used in this study. Case-study research method has been employed. Date for this study was collected through intensive semi structured interviews, document analysis and direct observation at field sites.

This dissertation is a compilation of three articles each of which focuses on different aspects of Dane county's GIS construction. Chapter two explores the role of key actors and networks of relations established by the key actors that lead to GIS adoption in Dane county. The county's GIS spatial knowledge production has followed a path dominated by the early proponents of GIS in the county. Also, the historical development of GIS in the county has shaped their current GIS spatial knowledge production process.

Chapter three critically explores the complex process of countywide GIS construction as it is shaped by the societal mores, institutional norms and political conditions as well as the internal organizational environment in Dane county. This chapter goes beyond the conventional organizational literature and reaches out and pulls in theoretical concepts from GIS and Society body of work to examine the county's GIS functions. This chapter specifically, focuses on the role of the LIO office that centralizes the county's GIS activities.

Chapter four critically examines Dane county's efforts to provide geographic information technologies for use by local community. This chapter specifically focuses on a demonstration project that was implemented in a local community in Dane county. In this chapter I emphasize that collaborative GIS endeavor is a complex process surrounded by multiple contentions where relations between various actors involved is very critical for GIS spatial knowledge production.