Data integration in a GIS — the question of data quality

As Geographical Information System (GIS) databases have become progressively larger and more complex, and increasingly unconstrained by traditional geographical boundaries, data management and quality have emerged as critical issues in GIS projects. GIS technology can be considered a table‐top on which data are compiled, considered, manipulated and located. With reference to the development of a geographic database for a loosely defined sub‐region of the South East of England—the East Thames Corridor—the problems associated with obtaining data of an appropriate standard from within the institutional framework of local government, and the data quality problems inherent in the development of an integrated database are considered.