The hardware, software, and algorithms relevant to those seeking to adopt digital spatial data handling (DSDH) in the formulation and administration of local government planning functions are all technically and commercially viable. In theory, in GIS, there is all the functionality the planner could use, or want. Explanations for the slow rate of diffusion and patchy adoption pattern of GIS include those that are advanced when any potentially beneficial innovation is apparently Ignored, but the important constraints on adoption of DSDH by planners in Victoria stem from the style of data marketing by data custodians. First, the analogue (paper map) to digital conversion process was not directed with an eye to the GIS market, and so the data needs much time-consuming editing. Second, the data custodians insist on very tight data distribution agreements before data release, so no value accrues for the editing investment. We argue that adoption of DSDH will not accelerate from its present slow rate until data quality access and ownership issues are resolved