Sunday, December 2, 2007

GIS For the People

GIS is a powerful new tool that faces a number of challenges before it can be a truly powerful tool for the people.  This paper examines the feasibility of GIS as a powerful tool for the people.


Questions:
  • GIS is expensive, time-consuming and requires dedication.  Do these hurdles mean the average person cannot participate in GIS development and analysis?
    • Expensive:  Does one have to own a high-powered computer and a piece of expensive software to develop and analyze GIS?
      • Free GIS tools vs. ArcGIS
        • Is it worth learning a free tool since ArcGIS is the industry standard?
      • GIS in the workplace
        • Can you learn about GIS in your work place?  What percent of places of business have a GIS setup?
        • Can an employee "just pick up" ArcGIS?
      • GIS in the Public:
        • Are there places in the public that one can use GIS software or hardware?
        • What about online?  What online tools are available for one to do GIS development and analysis?
    • Time Consuming:  Must one learn confusing technology and go through a cartographinc undergraduate degree to be a player in GIS development and analysis?
      • Online GIS Tools
      • Google Earth
    • Requires Dedication:  Can GIS only be successfully performed after years of study?

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