Municipalities in West Bank work on applying services that fulfill people’s need. To achieve this goal municipalities became aware of the importance of GIS. Many sections and departments have been held for this purpose. Although many financial support has been provided to improve GIS, it still needs to be improved.
The aim of the study is to enhance the efficiency of Geographical Information System (GIS) within the municipalities environment in Palestine through evaluating the extent of (GIS) maturity as well as measuring its effect on the municipalities performance to achieve a sustainable development. The study provided recommendation through developing a strategic model that would contribute in improving municipalities performance to achieve sustainable development in Palestine using (GIS).
An analytical descriptive method has been conducted collecting data through a questionnaire distributed to a purposeful sample that has been chosen from the study society of a (54) municipality that has a GIS section, department or employee in addition to Interviews and observation. SPSS has been used to analyze data.
Results showed that the level of (GIS) maturity is low (48%). The level of the municipalities ability to apply GIS is moderate (56%) whereas the level of empowering the ability of GIS is low (41.6%). The ability to achieve sustainable development is moderate and to achieve it, the municipalities have to: first: develop strategies. Second: develop a vision and goals. The results also showed that there is a positive significant effect of GIS maturity and sustainable development of 10%: 3.33% respectively.
The study recommended: to regulate legislations that enforce law makers to adopt the outputs of GIS. Raise the awareness of law makers about the importance of GIS in analyzing and supporting decision making. Building a central database by the Ministry of Local Government that can be accessed and updated by municipalities.