The economic evaluation of implementing a GIS

Abstract

Implementation of geographical information systems (GIS) involves a substantial commitment of resources by the sponsoring agency. Economic evaluationofthe proposedGIS is an importantstep in the implementation process. This article discusses the traditional benefit cost analysis and suggests alternative approaches which may prove usefulin situationswhere the benefit cost modelmay not be appropriate. A case study of an actual implementation of a GIS which illustrates the approaches discussed is also presented.

Geographic information science

“…The early non‐technical challenges to the implementation of a GIS in the late 1980s were the assessment of the costs and benefits of a GIS project (Dickinson & Calkins, 1988). The principal challenge in cost‐benefit analysis is that it is designed to compare financial values of a status quo versus a new situation.…”

Multidimensional Geographic Information Science

“…The early non-technical challenges to the implementation of a GIS in the late 1980s were the assessment of the costs and benefits of a GIS project (Dickinson & Calkins, 1988). The 2-47 principal challenge in cost-benefit analysis is that it is designed to compare financial values of a status quo versus a new situation.…”

The different identities of GIS and GIS diffusion

“…First, GIS is described in terms of its generic elements, or building blocksÐ an approach also used by other researchers (Dangermond 1988, Dickinson andCalkins 1988 ). What distinguishes Carter's perspective from these researchers' is the second characteristic: inclusion of the organizational or institutional implementation environment in the de® nition.…”