Finally, some commentators have questioned whether GIS can always be used effectively in developing countries. The rapid ongoing developments of all aspects of GIS may remove some of these concerns. There is no doubt that GIS presents great potential for societies wishing to anticipate and understand the consequences of climate change and develop adaptation strategies to cope with the potential impacts. The modelling of potential futures based on plausible scenarios is particularly pertinent for the planning and design of adaptation technologies when relevant impacts are quantified, alternative adaptation options are evaluated and one course of action is selected. The rapid developments in information technology are facilitating the transfer of these tools.
Human expertise remains essential for the intelligent use of models.
The quality and effectiveness of the planning and design process is affected by the context in which the decision is made. Gaining public acceptance, for example by two-way interaction and partnerships, is an important prerequisite for finding and transferring appropriate adaptation technologies. Furthermore, local expertise will be required for technology implementation, application, maintenance and enforcement. In some settings, however, public involvement can be difficult to accomplish.