Micro computer-based geographic information system technology for resource assessment and rural development planning
Title:
Micro computer-based geographic information system technology for resource assessment and rural development planning
Author:
Schultink, Ger
Appeared in:
Geocarto international
Paging:
Volume 1 (1986) nr. 2 pages 33-43
Year:
1986
Contents:
The Comprehensive Resource Inventory and Evaluation System (CRIES) Project uses a systematic approach in natural resource assessment and land evaluation for development planning and policy analysis. In part, this involves the creation of an operational capability within selected planning institutions to develop an integrated resource data base and analyze with custom software to the comparative advantage of resource production alternatives. For this purpose, a number of software modules were developed, including mainframe and micro computer-based Geographic Information System (GIS) software. This paper describes the latest micro computer GIS version, namely, the Master File Creator Program (GEOMAST) and the Geographic Resource Analysis Program (GEORAP) - of the Comprehensive Resource Inventory and Evaluation System (CRIES) Geographic Information System (GIS) as modified for IBM-PC, Model XT or compatible micro-computers using the MS-DOS operating system. GEOMAST provides the capability to store, edit and process digital map data and creates the master data base (disk files) used by GEORAP. The GEORAP software is used to input, retrieve, combine, overlay, modify and display the results of the analysis phases in the form of various statistical summaries or computer maps. Typical products include area measurements and displays of single map attributes or combinations at various map scales. In addition, the GEORAP system provides the user with the analytical framework to evaluate physical and socio-economic attributes by location, and determine the comparative advantage of sites for use alternatives. Locational, regional or national aggregates can also be evaluated with regards to their optimum performance characteristics and resulting socio-economic benefits derived under alternative land use and development policy scenarios.
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