Abstract:
Many organizations in Sri Lanka have been involved in spatial data collection and
distribution. However, most of the local authorities have not been using the available
spatial data optimally. This can be identified as one of the major reasons contributing
to poor performance of the local authorities in the country.
The major functions of local authorities fall within the categories of public health
and environmental sanitation, public thoroughfare and public utilities. But, at
present, the effectiveness and efficiency of local authorities operating under these
fields are not up to the expected level. Problems/constraints that come up regarding
the usage of Geo-information within the local authorities are one of the identified
reasons for the inefficiency and the non-effectiveness. It also has major implications
on the current operational practices within the local authorities. This paper discusses
this issue in detail by considering Ratnapura Municipality as a case study.
The data was collected by using questionnaires, interviews, physical observations
and available supported documents. Data analysis aims to identify Geo-information
providers related to the Ratnapura Municipality and District Planning Office and
compare the requirements, perceptions and activities in acquiring Geo-information
between the above two organizations. Comparison between these two administrative
levels will help to identify the improvement strategies to utilize Geo-information
within the Municipality. This analysis utilizes a technique of Strategic Grids, including
grids with Interest vs. Awareness. Such grids identify the improvement strategies
for effective and efficient process of Geo-information exchange, targeting to improve
present Geo-information usage in the Ratnapura municipality. Major findings can
be summarized as: (a) lack of the required capacity of the municipality to cope with
Geo-information related work; (b) lack of motivation of the municipality staff from
the management level for Geo-information related activities. This situation has been
further aggravated due to the lack of an effective linkage between the major Geoinformation providers and the municipality
