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Which Program Is Right For You?

Off-the-shelf geographical information systems vary in complexity and cost

LOW END: $100. BusinessMap and MapLinx are versatile, user-friendly sales and marketing tools. BusinessMap comes with demographic data. MapLinx does not--and you pay extra for zip-code boundaries--but it's easier to use.

MIDRANGE: $300-$400. MapInfo Desktop and ESRI's Atlas GIS offer lots of power for a reasonable price, but each lacks some high-end features. Desktop can't be customized. Neither can be used to track the real-time position of vehicles.

HIGH END: $1,000-$1,300. ESRI's ArcView and MapInfo Professional are customizable and do sophisticated analysis. They also allow pop-up photos and vehicle tracking. These programs are complex, so be prepared to study the manual or hire help.


Updated June 20, 1997 by bwwebmaster
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