Neil Fordyce wrote:
> I think for all concerned with the list that it would be more useful
> to all if comments about software were kept to constructive criticism
> or praise e.g. don't use Arc/Info 7.2 for kriging as you have no control
> over variogram parameters.
>
> The likes of last weeks posting about ESRI software is boring to say
> the least.
>
Dear Neil, being the one that commented on ESRI products over the last two weeks, I
suppose that means that you don't like my style of writing, because I fail to see how
my comments on kriging can not be seen as
informative rather than ESRI-bashing. The logic ESRI applies in kriging is wrong and I
spent some time elaborating the point instead of just saying "don't use ArcInfo 7.2
for kriging as the logic is wrong". I
strongly believe that knowing why things are as they are is the centerpiece of science
and I will gladly (continue) to share my knowledge with others.
>
> We all have a choice. If we don't like the software that is available
> commercially we can write our own. Try seeing how many years of coding
> you will have to do to put together even a basic GIS package.
>
> Sure Arc/Info/ArcView have limitations but they also have some very
> good functionality. After many years of dealing with a variety of
> software in the forestry and mining industries I know that no
> software is perfect.
>
I use ArcInfo for most of my GIS work and I teach using ArcView on a weekly basis.
ArcInfo is still one of the more versatile products for my kind of work (environmental
sciences). ArcView is just about the best
tool for introductory instruction to undergraduates, especially now that it is
extensible. That does not put either product above scrutiny. Does that scrutiny belong
in a list like this? Yes, I think so, because
we are a diverse community of people, ranging from absolute beginners to experts. The
experts have the experience that the beginners are looking for. In that perspective I
believe that the question you pose below
has an inverse logic: I do not first choose a software product to then ask myself
whether it is adequate. Instead, I have a problem and what do I need to solve it. In
that context documented information on the
validity of certain products serves a legitimate purpose.
>
> What the user needs to understand, or seek to find out, is
>
> "Am I able to answer the questions I have with the software I have
> chosen?".
>
> I would rather see viable alternatives pointed out to the list!!
>
www.freegis.org has a bunch of pointers
Patrick van Laake
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