GIS as a visualization tool for economic development

Abstract

GIS technology is now being applied to the economic development process at local, regional, and state levels of government. Most of the existing systems have utilized the analytical capabilities of GIS to locate suitable sites for various types of development. A computer system recently developed by Georgia Tech and Georgia Power uses GIS technology in a new way: as an interactive-visualization and decision-support tool designed to directly support business location decision-makers. The development of such presentation systems, along with the more traditional analytical systems, raises important policy implications of concept transferability, appropriate organizational structures, and the potential savings to be achieved by the rational targeting of future infrastructure finance. © 1994.