Consensus Building Model to Select CASIS in Small Communities

Abstract

This paper examines: (1) The automated mapping/facilities management and geographic information system (AM/FM/GIS), which are called computer-assisted spatial information systems (CASIS) in this paper, software selection process; (2) develops a knowledge-based, multiattribute, multiobjective, consensus building model (CBM); and (3) establishes the validity for using the exogenously developed CBM for the selection of CASIS software. Model formulation is based on analyzing how well the attributes of the software meet user requirements in four areas: functionality, technical capability, vendor characteristics, and costs. Expert knowledge was gathered from several domain practitioners regarding the ability of GIS software functions to fulfill a user's needs. Responses from those experts proved to have a high degree of consistency. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on the CBM, showing the model to be stable in its predictions. The validity of the model's predictions were shown to be realistic in comparison to domain experts.