Abstract:

Geographical Information System (GIS) has emerged in the last decade as an essential tool for urban and resource planning and management. Its ability to store, retrieve, analyze, model and map large volume of spatial data is considered as its main strengths. There are numerous fields where the GIS is being implemented such as land planning, utilities management, ecosystems modeling, and landscape assessment and planning. The purpose of this research is to conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) on the role of the GIS on the decision making at Muscat Municipality. Eventually, this analysis helps to determine the advantages and disadvantages of the GIS. Data was collected through a questionnaire from the knowledge workers, administrators and developers working at Muscat Municipality. The study found that the most essential strength of the GIS is its effectiveness and efficiency, while its most important weaknesses are the lack of the GIS users experience and data unavailability and inaccessibility. On the other hand, its job creation and deep data analysis are considered as the most favorable opportunities of the GIS. However, privacy and security issues are its main threat.