GIS has, in a sense, fallen victim to the key factor that underpins its potential success. Namely, that GIS has such a broad range of applications and uses that it has been difficult to establish it as an independent discipline and/or technology. Consequently there has been no clear focal point or champion for promoting awareness, education and uptake.

Other barriers which the implication of GI has faced are those such as;
*  Accessibility of Data,
*  Lack of adequate IT resources,
*  High content load of existing curriculum,
*  Steep learning curve and rapid technological change,
*  Lack of curriculum relevant teaching material,
*  Need for technical support,
*  Lack of training, support and recognition for teachers.

As a result the uptake of GI technologies across key business, public and education sectors has been remarkably slow. All the sectors involved have the common requirement for improving education and awareness. The common need is to improve awareness so that people know about geographic information and are aware of the benefits of its use. There is also a need to improve education to enable people to use geographic information to help our understanding of the world around us.

The eventual success of a geographic information strategy for Northern Ireland will depend heavily on a well-organised programme for promoting education, awareness and uptake.  Luckily however, the education sectoral group has been formalised and actions are in place to help raise awareness and enthusiasm about GI in our education system.