MalaysiaGIS.com

Source: New Straits Times

As they are easy to use, users tend to favour PC-based GIS solutions, according to Walter H.Mayer, president and chief executive officer of Progis Corporation, an Austria-based GIS solutions provider.

He said when equipped with graphical functionalities and a complete open systems concept, PC-based GIS solutions become users' preferred choice.

According to Mayer, high-end applications of GIS solutions range from planning resources management by government-authorities and departments, to providing valuable data for executive information systems.

"Its low-end application could be delivering geographical maps in CD-ROMs, as oppose to paper-based maps for the mass market," he said at a Press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

GIS software, which integrates pictures and graphics with data from databases, produces a visual presentation could provide information that users would not have access to in-an only text or picture presentation. Such information then becomes valuable in an executive decision-making process," said Mayer.

Progis is one of over 30 companies participating in the Second Annual GIS Asia-Pacific Conference and Exhibition, which commenced yesterday in Kuala Lumpur.

During the three-day event, Progis is showcasing to local users its range of GIS solutions namely WinGIS and WinMap. Progis's GIS solutions are available to the local market through Progis Corporation's sole partner, Rank Tower Sdn Bhd.

WinGIS, a high-end GIS application allows the integration of maps, databases, images and video, in a client-server environment using PCs.

The software, which could access information from multiple databases, is able to provide input to decision making information systems. It can work with a range of host databases such as SQL-based systems such as SQL-based systems, Oracle, Informix, Ingres, Sybase and AS/400 as well as Windows and PC databases such as Access, Foxpro, dBASE and Paradox. WinMap, meanwhile is equipped with mapping and downsizing features and is able to analyse, manage and present geographical-dependent database information.

Another Progis' software, WinMap SDK is a new GIS technology used for producing low-cost viewing systems such as geographical maps in CD-ROMs, for the mass market. This software is also used by database applications with a professional GIS for viewing purposes.

Other applications from Progis include WinMap LT, WinSat and Win3D.

According to Mayer, Progis software could run on any system in the Windows environment. The company, which recently entered a partnership agreement with IBM Austria, is also looking for partnerships with IBM worldwide to develop GIS applications on desktops.