Can PGIS serve two masters?

Starting point for this paper is the interaction between local and national level interests (community and government) in spatial planning. It is widely acknowledged by (government) planning agencies that spatial knowledge from communities is useful or even vital for sustainable planning decisions to be made. In the interaction between community and government the government therefore demands or requires participatory action and information from the community to serve the community. As this interaction is a two way process the community expects government assistance and input to address their needs as well. They (communities, citizen groups, etc.) need all relevant institutions to understand and address their needs and concerns.