Decision‐Support Tools for Transferring AM/FM/GIS to Small Communities

Abstract

This paper examines several decision‐support tools for transferring AM/FM/GIS technology to small communities. The term Computer‐Assisted Spatial Information Systems (CASIS) provides a basis for a systematic categorization and definition of AM/FM/GIS systems that will serve to enhance small communities' understanding of these technologies for future decisions. The acronym CASIS includes such areas as database‐management systems, automated mapping/facilities management/geographic information systems (AM/FM/GIS), and computer‐aided drafting (CAD). Further, this paper reports the highlights of a survey that assesses the theory‐practice gap in AM/FM/GIS usage among very small local government agencies. The survey uncovered an existing theory‐practice gap: A slow rate of system usage among very small local governments due to a lack of awareness of these technologies and their benefits. Finally, this paper identifies several decision‐support strategies necessary for bridging that theory‐practice gap. The CASIS project life cycle provides a framework for discussing these issues.