Towards a typology of geographical information systems

Attempts at classifying geographical information systems (GIS) have typically focused on the task-orientation of particular systems. With the application domain now becoming increasingly ephemeral, there is a need to take a more systematic view of the differences between systems. It is suggested here that a useful perspective to take is one that emphasizes system architecture. Using concepts well established in the wider field of information systems science, we suggest a framework that characterizes a GIS on the three-fold basis of the problem-processor model, database model and interface model adopted.