Effective urban and regional planning is heavily dependent upon the efficient manipulation of large quantities of spatial data. Over the past two decades the computer-based, geographic information system (GIS) has developed as the primary technology for spatial data handling. Recent improvements in computer technology and in our knowledge of geographic data handling have permitted GIS technology to be transferred to relatively inexpensive microcomputers. Several basic factors underlying current GIS technology are discussed and brief reviews are provided of several microcomputer-based GIS products which are currently available.
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