The Mediating Effect of Spatial Data Quality and the Moderating Effect of Institutional Capacity on the Relationship Between GIS Adoption and Sustainability

There is increasing recognition that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a crucial role in shaping sustainable regional development; however, the mechanisms through which GIS adoption translates into development outcomes remain insufficiently explored in emerging economies. The present study investigates the mediating role of spatial data quality in the link between GIS adoption and sustainable regional development, and further examines how institutional capacity moderates this relationship. Data were collected from 612 respondents representing urban planning departments, municipal agencies, infrastructure authorities, and environmental management units across Karachi, Pakistan. The mean age of respondents was 34.6 years (SD = 7.83), comprising 388 males (63.4%) and 224 females (36.6%).