The application of structured systems analysis to the specification of geographic information systems
Date
1991
Authors
Sanseverino, Mary Ellen
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Abstract
A Geographic Information System (GIS) can be defined as an automated system which stores a digital version of the analogue map, adding a topologically indexed attribute data base, spatial analysis, and modelling capabilities. The hope for the GIS tool is that it will be used to increase understanding in many diverse disciplines. However, if application scientists in different disciplines can not specify what they want a GIS to do, then user expectations in these disciplines will not be met. When this happens a costly communications failure has occurred.
Techniques, such as structured systems analysis, have been successfully applied to this type of specification problem in other areas. Indeed, many GIS researchers have requested that such techniques be applied to GIS specification. However, the literature surrounding the application of structured systems analysis techniques to GIS specification is not particularly forthcoming with 'nuts and bolts' methodologies as to how this might be accomplished. Based on techniques of structured systems analysis, a model is developed that places GIS requirement specification into a framework with other aspects of G IS implementation. This model builds on accepted structured analysis theory, but divides the model into logical and physical interfaces. GIS specification is the focus of the logical interface. All aspects of this interface are completely developed. The result is a fully explained theoretical model that can be applied by application scientists to GIS specification problems.