Title: Co-creating a web-based GIS for local government innovation: the LGIA experience in Wiang Yong, Thailand

Authors: Chawis Srimanee; Sakda Homhuan; Aranya Siriphon; Waraporn Boonchieng; Siraseth Nethngam

Addresses: Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Geography, Chiang Mai University, 239, Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand ' Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Geography, Chiang Mai University, 239, Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand ' Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Chiang Mai University, 239, Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand ' Faculty of Public Health, Chiang Mai University, 239, Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand ' Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, 239, Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand

Abstract: Thailand's Digital Government Development Plan (2023-2027) prioritises enhancing local digital capabilities. This study introduces the local geo-info application (LGIA), a web-based geographic information systems (GIS) co-created with Wiang Yong Subdistrict to overcome operational challenges and replace costly legacy systems. LGIA provides a user-friendly, cost-effective platform for real-time geospatial analysis, requiring minimal external expertise. Evaluation with 26 municipal staff revealed marked improvements in digital competency, workflow efficiency, and user satisfaction. Theoretically, LGIA exemplifies collaborative innovation by significantly reducing non-monetary transaction costs, including interdepartmental friction and citizen wait times. The initiative established a robust population database, demonstrated scalability for wider adoption, and facilitated knowledge transfer among local administrative organisations (LAOs). While LGIA successfully empowered staff and reduced digital disparities to drive sustainable digital transformation, proactive budgetary planning remains essential to mitigate infrastructural vulnerabilities inherent in cloud-based systems. These results highlight LGIA's potential as a replicable model for advancing local digital governance.

Keywords: local e-government; web-based GIS; LGIA; local geo-info application; public service delivery; knowledge transfer; municipal innovation; administrative efficiency; co-creation research.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2026.156073

International Journal of Electronic Governance, 2026 Vol.18 No.1, pp.4 - 24

Received: 30 Aug 2025
Accepted: 07 May 2026
Published online: 02 Sep 2026 *

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