Abstract
 GIS as a Planning Support System for Effective Growth Management Track: Benefit of GIS Author(s): Ahmed Abukhater GIS is a cutting edge technological advancement that has a medley of useful applications in many scientific and practical fields. This paper argues for basic changes in the way GIS tools are commonly used as a mapping tool. The misuse and uncritical widespread reliance on GIS-based applications as mapping tools should end. Contrary to popular belief, the application and use of GIS technology is not confined to only mapping purposes, but rather it provides a comprehensive lens for analysis and collaborative community decision making. GIS built-in capabilities allow for multiple criteria evaluation (MCE), which is mainly characterized by allocating weights to assessment criteria for suggesting and ranking alternatives. An important advantage of GIS spatial planning support tools is the convenience in changing the valuation criteria to visually illustrate and depict the implications of different spatial decisions and alternatives. Ahmed Abukhater University of Texas, Austin 6008 n lamar blvd apt ##208 austin , TX 78752 US Phone: 512-4202624 E-mail: ahmeduiuc@yahoo.com |
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