GIS AND BEYOND

Several factors are contributing to the spread of GIS among new user c ommunities. These factors include the availability of digital geograph ic data at a lower cost, the decrease of the cost of GIS seats, the te chnology becoming more usable, and the recognition of the value of geo graphic data within corporate data management policies. In addition to these factors, GIS technology has matured as it has become more widel y understood, and it has reached some level of standardisation. These developments represent the foundation for a new fundamental trend GIS is slowly being recognized as a business tool by private organizations , a tool that can provide a competitive edge and, thus, help to increa se market share and profitability. This brings a new dimension to GIS. GIS users and suppliers will certainly gain from this recognition.