Spatial Decision Support Systems

Spatial DSS refers to those systems based on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. GIS provides an important source of tools and techniques which can usefully be incorporated in a DSS system which makes use of geographic or spatial data.

SDSS Technology Vendors

This section contains links to various software providers who provide technology of potential interest to builders of SDSS.

  • ESRI: Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. – ESRI are the market leaders in GIS, they provide a variety of GIS software of interest to builders of SDSS. ESRI collaborates with a wide range of partners providing specialist add on products for use with ESRI sofware.
  • Autodesk – Autodesk provide a range of GIS software and tools, Autodesk World a desktop package which caters for multiple data formats, Autocad Map which allows precision mapping and GIS analysis in the AutoCAD environment and Autodesk Mapguide which allows creation of an intelligent raster/vector map-driven Web site.
  • Caliper Corp – Caliper Corp provide several types of desktop GIS, including Transcad which provides routing and transportation modelling in a GIS environment. »Tactician – Tactician Corp offers a numberof types of desktop GIS software aimed at business applications.
  • Graticule – Graticule is a British based company producing a variety of different toolbox applications for including GIS functionality in Windows software
  • Routesmart – Routesmart is a DSS for vehicle routing in urban areas and is a good example of the integration of GIS and Management Science techniques.

SDSS Related Journals and Publications

This section contains links to various publications which are specifically concerned with GIS and SDSS. Of course SDSS research may also be found in other DSS and specialist publications.

  • IJGIS – The International Journal of Geographical Information Science is a well established journal for GIS research (formerly International Journal of Geographical Information Systems).
  • Transactions in GIS – Transactions in GIS is an academic journal concerned with practical and theoretical issues influencing the development of GIS.
  • Directions magazine – Directions magazine is an excellent electronic resource for general information on GIS.

Associations

  • UCGIS – The University Consortium for Geographic Information Science(UCGIS) is a US based is a non-profit organization of universities and other research institutions dedicated to advancing the understanding of geographic processes and spatial relationships through improved theory, methods, technology, and data.
  • EUROGI – EUROGI, the European Umbrella Organisation for Geographic Information , aims to promote, stimulate, encourage and support the development and use of Geographic Information and Technology in Europe. Links can be found here to various national associations.