Development of technical skills in the use of geographic information systems (GIS) for sustainable development in the citizen municipality of Babahoyo

Abstract

The study focused on analyzing the use and knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) among municipal employees, aiming to assess the current capabilities and limitations in their implementation to improve public management. The main objective was to identify the most significant barriers in GIS usage and explore the areas where these systems could be most useful for municipal administration. To achieve this, surveys were conducted with 50 employees from different municipal departments, providing a broad overview of perceptions and needs related to GIS. The methodology consisted of a descriptive analysis of the responses, categorizing variables such as familiarity with GIS, frequency of use, areas of application, and reported difficulties. The results showed that 40% of respondents used GIS regularly, with 75% identifying the lack of training as the main barrier to more efficient use. Additionally, 65% mentioned the scarcity of updated geospatial data as a limiting factor. The areas of urban planning and environmental management were the most advanced in GIS usage, while other areas, such as natural resources and risk management, reported lower implementation. In conclusion, it is essential to promote continuous GIS training and improve access to updated geospatial data to strengthen municipalities' ability to make more informed decisions and enhance their management in key areas such as urban planning and environmental protection.