Comments on selecting a geographic information system for environmental management

Many organizations in environmental fields stand to benefit from the use of a geographic information system (GIS). Selecting a GIS to implement within an organization can be a difficult task that is often required of people with little experience using a GIS. A framework for evaluating competing GIS considers cost, functionality, ease of use, future stability, development potential, support availability, and maintenance costs. Initial cost involves more than the actual purchase price of hardware and software; it includes the cost of building the data base and training users within the organization. Functionality refers to the depth and breadth of capabilities of a GIS. Issues involved in evaluating functionality include the appropriateness of raster vs vector processing and the ability to add your own software. Ease of use is important, but there is generally a trade-off with functionality. The degree of centralization of use of the GIS within the organization affects requirements for ease of use. GIS are rapidly evolving, and as a result it is important to select a system with high potential for future development. With the proliferation of companies offering GIS it is important to select one that is likely to survive and prosper. Similarly, the ability to find support in the forms of technical help, advice, and possibly even skilled employees can be significant.