integrated. Some complained that the system is not cost 
effective, and others do not like the final output. 
The above indicates the growing complaints people have with 
computer systems in general, and specifically with GIS. The 
systems are complex and do require a long period of time for 
users to become comfortably proficient with them. 
Most users indicated that their place of work employs one 
person to run the GIS. In general this position is at the entry 
level. They can move up to the technician or middle 
management level. This is not surprising considering that 
nearly fifty percent of all GIS positions were filled within the 
last five years. 
GIS APPLICATION 
When users were asked for what kind of work they use the 
GIS, a wide variety of applications were mentioned. The 
following is not in any kind of order: Environmental 
Planning, Site Planning, Land Information, Transportation 
Planning, Management, Utility Planning, Data Analysis, 
Landuse Inventories, Groundwater Mapping, Pavement 
Management, Database Development, Acid Rain, Parcel 
Management, Real Estate Inventory, Epidemiology, Mental 
Illness, Facility Planning, Pollution Control, Marketing, 
Public Works, Data Standards and Accuracy, Population 
Planning, Research, Data Analysis. 
The Massachusetts GIS users are involved in many different 
applications. When asked which function of the GIS was 
most useful to them they indicated that data analysis and data 
output were of great importance. 
Importance of System Functions 
Table 3 
Data Inputs. in tii immissimmsinis 2% 
Data Storage.......... bieten 2% 
Data Manipulation/ 
Statistical Applications.................. 11% 
Data Analysis:.........— em 25% 
Data Output - in Map Form:........ 25% 
in other Form............... 5% 
Other: All tbe above... 30% 
Data Format 
The data format used by participants was split almost evenly 
between digitizing from existing or gathered information and 
information received in digital form. With more data bases 
available the users probably will buy more data sets in the 
future. 
Frequency of GIS Uses 
It was revealed above that users complained that their 
systems were not user friendly and that they had difficulties 
remembering certain functions after they had not used them 
for a while. Thus, the frequency of use of a GIS is important. 
218 
How often the GIS was used by the respondents is 
summarized on Table 4. 
Frequency of GIS Use 
Table 4 
Daily... 53.6% 
Weekly: 35.2% 
Monthly:................. 0.8% 
For Specific Projects:..10.4% 
Users were nearly divided between daily use and less 
frequent use. Less frequent use is complicated if the system 
is not be well documented. 
CONCLUSIONS 
This study has given a small glimpse at the GIS profession 
and the diversity of applications which users employ. While 
many users have technical training in computer science, there 
seems to be a need to integrate geographical knowledge and 
concepts with the new technology. This raises a question 
about the geographical approach and background of the GIS 
user. Wise development of GIS applications calls for basic 
involvement of planners and managers at the early stage in 
the conceptualization of a project. The diversity of users 
groups and support systems through electronic mail or the 
like can provide a major service to the profession. 
References 
Chorley R., 1988. Some reflections on the handling of 
geographical information. International Journal of 
Geographical Information Systems 2(1):3-9. 
French, S.P. and Wiggins L.L., 1989. California planning 
agency experiences with automated mapping and 
geographic information systems. Environment and 
Planning B 17:441-450. 
Masser, I. 1988. The regional Research Laboratory initiative; 
a progress report. International Journal of 
Geographical Information Systems 2(1):11-22. 
Rhind D.W. and Mounsey, 1989. Research policy and review 
29: the Chorley Committee and "Handling Geographic 
Information". Environment and Planning A 21:571-85. 
Troppen, Fred J., 1991. GIS Education in the Netherlands: A 
Bit of Everything and Everything about a Bit. 
Cartographica, 28 (3):1-9. 
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