For what it's worth -
Overall, I have to agree that Maptitude is the best generic GIS value. Great
data set, good functionality, fabulous import/export capability, built in
routing, etc.
But there are still plenty of reasons to go with other more expensive packages.
A major factor in deciding which GIS use for many of us is the 3rd party tools
available. Mapinfo and Arcview both have hundreds of free public domain
utilities and programs available, and dozens more for sale. Practically any
vertical market need a user has, from site selection to watershed analysis, has
been covered by the third party developer and VAR channel.
Maptitude is really deficient here, even though the package has a good
programming language. Maptitude's sale price is so low that Caliper can't
afford to have a decent reseller program (nor have they ever tried hard to
cultivate one), which forces them to try to do everything in-house. Hence, they
have a good generic package, but very little vertical market tools or
penetration. Routing applications are the one exception, which Caliper has
developed in-house.
And there's something to be said for critical mass. ESRI and Mapinfo have most
of the market share, most of the trained GIS users, and most of the installed
base. If your company is making mission critical decisions with GIS, and you
need to find trained GIS users with experience in your particular industry, the
extra expense of going with an established market leader is inconsequential
compared to the risk of making bad operational decisions by trying to save a few
bucks up front.
Berk Charlton
Geographic Marketing Solutions.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Leore, Robert
> Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2000 9:41 AM
> To: MapInfo-L
> Subject: RE: MI Best GIS for dollar
>
>
> Maptitude by Caliper is the best GIS for the dollar. At US$395 it is the
> cheapest path to a full-featured GIS. I used to use MI but I now use
> Maptitude and its big brother TransCAD exclusively. Check these programs
> out at www.caliper.com.
>
> Bob
>
>
>
> > > Hi Everyone,
> > >
> > > I have been reading the threads on MI and ArcView in the same office and
> > am
> > > interested in peoples opinions as to value. I am considering purchase
> > of a
> > > GIS but would like info on value vs functionality.
> > >
> > > Can anyone suggest a GIS system that gives the best 'bang for your buck'
> > > for business applications such as demographic studies, network analysis
> > and
> > > has decent spatial modeling capabilities? Map Design and layout
> > > capabilities are important also.
> > >
> > > I have used ArcInfo and ArcView but realise there are other systems such
> > as
> > > MI, Esri Atlas GIS and Manifold. Unfortunately, as everyone knows many
> > > systems lack basic functionality required to complete a project and
> > either
> > > you need to buy expensive 'add-on' modules or use a different program to
> > > complete the project.
> > >
> > > For example, what does the Esri Atlas GIS give that you cannot do with
> > > ArcView and a business add-on? Manifold claims it does way more than MI.
> > > Are there users experienced with several of these systems that could
> > shed
> > > some light on the relative strengths and weaknesses of these systems?
> > >
> > > Is one of these systems head and shoulders above the rest?
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance,
> > >
> > > Shepherd Stewart
> >
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