ability to zoom and to display or highlight different features. GIS provides database support that is designed to allow for the effective storage of spatial data.
Furthermore GIS software provides a link between the interface and database to allow the user to easily query spatial data.
2.3. Research Dealing with GIS–based DSS
There are several studies using GIS-based DSS for natural resources management but not specific in small island case. O’Donnell et al. 2003
reported on use GIS tools for decision support in coastal habitat which this project was designed to house and manage a broad ranging spatial database and as a
development tool in the production of a GIS based sensitivity analysis model. They used ArcInfo and Microsoft Visual Basic for this application.
In the other location Terfai and Schrimpf 2004 used GIS and remote sensing data for development of decision support system for coastal management
in Morocco. They used three kinds of software that are Omnimage as graphical software, IDRISI for raster geographic analysis system and GRASS as raster or
vector geographic system. They suggest that DSS for environmental management is a useful method and could be used at regional or national level. According to
Agrawal et al 2003 the GIS based DSS provides an advanced modeling and analysis system for environmental parameters which they studied about GIS as
modeling and decision support tool for air quality management. From several case studies, Hall 1996 stated there are five kinds of
problem for development of GIS based DSS, i.e.: - Quality of data, because the lack of available data is one of the major
hindrances in the use of GIS based DSS. 18
- Education and training. The current practice of decision making in developing countries has not advanced much in comparison to the tools
available to help and may not yet be aware of the benefits of technology. Little effort has been spent on transforming data into information for
making decisions. Training programs are needed for five major groups of users - policy makers, decision makers, programmers, technicians, and
educators. - Leadership and organization. The function of the leadership is to set clear
goals and objectives, to win acceptance among information system users for such goals and objectives, and to provide commitment to achieve
project goals and tasks. Another critical function of leadership is coordination of different departments sharing the information system.
- Software development. Most of the programs and manuals are written in English, but most of the users, have limited understanding of English.
User-friendly application programs which hide the technology form the users, with instructions or pull-down menu written in local languages need
to be developed in order to enable local planners and decision-makers to use decision support systems.
- Maintenance. The development of DSS should be considered as a continuous process.
Spatial DSS is a continued development of GIS and DSS integration. AVSWAT ArcView-Soil Water Analysis Tool is one of Spatial DSS
application. It has been developed at Black Land Research Center, Texas for the district level decision makers. This system as a dynamic tool could be help in
19
generating alternate management scenarios for land and water management Dutta, 2000.
Other study of spatial DSS reported by Ostendorf and Carrick 2004 about South Australia’s Prawn Fisheries. This report described the process of
spatial decision-making and the utility of spatial information techniques using historic spatial data in conjunction with near real-time survey data and statistical
risk assessment. The system is implemented linking an Oracle database to ArcGIS, Genstat and Splus and mobile phone technologies.
2.4. Sustainable Development of Natural Resources
