Why are Geographic Information Systems Candidates for Cost Savings from Component Reuse?
Custom applications built in conjunction with geographic information systems are prime candidates for component reuse for the following reasons: • Custom GIS applications and interfaces are usually procured, designed, and built as “one-of-a-kind” systems. • An “out-of-the-box” or “Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS)” GIS, as it exists in the industry today, is not tailored to a specific use without significant data configuration. • Data for each custom application is unique. • GIS is often too complex for inexperienced users. • There is an increasing demand for spatial data analysis among the non-GIS educated population and businesses. • There are many similarities among custom application requirements for all GISs.
