Analysis of GIS-Software – a GIS software market survey in the business to consumer (B2C) and business to business (B2B) market

Table of Contents

1 Contents

5 Introduction

5.1 Hypothesis and definition of the aims of the bachelor thesis

5.2 Description of the methodology of the bachelor thesis

6 Description of the project ‚Analysis of Prof. GIS-Desktop SW’

6.1.1 Overview of the project ‚Analysis of Prof. GIS-Desktop SW’

6.2 Project framework

6.3 Information about project matter

6.4 Description ‚cascade model’ – a procedure model for the bachelor thesis research process

6.5 Description about the Project ‚Analysis GIS-SW’

6.6 Phases and milestones of the project

6.7 Project Overview: GANT Chart

7 Topics

7.1 GIS-Software Market Overview

7.1.1 Description market research company Daratech Inc.

7.1.2 The Prof. GIS-SW Market 2003

7.1.3 The Prof. GIS-SW Market 2006

7.2 GIS-Software Systems Overview

7.2.1 Types of GIS SW systems

7.2.2 The structure and logic of GIS SW

7.2.3 The difference between Desktop and network GIS

7.2.4 Understand the architecture of GIS-Desktop Software

7.3 Developing process of the criteria catalogue

7.4 Description of raw- and fine criteria of a Prof. Desktop GIS-SW system according to the results of the primary research phase (qualitative interviews)

7.5 Description, benchmarking process and design of the criteria catalogue

7.6 Discussion about the results of the primary research phase (qualitative interviews)

7.6.1 Design of the interview process

7.6.2 Conception of the interviews and visualisation of the questionnaire

7.6.3 Final results of the qualitative interviews of the b2c & b2b companies interviewed

7.7 Analyzed reference Professional GIS-Desktop Systems

7.7.1 Professional GIS-Desktop System ‚Arc Info’ (ESRI Inc.)

7.7.2 Professional GIS-Desktop System ‚MapInfo’ (MapInfo)

7.7.3 Professional GIS-Desktop System ‚GeoMedia’ (INTERGRAPH)

8 Conclusion and Views Forward

Research Objectives & Topics

This thesis aims to develop a structured criterion catalogue as a strategic instrument for B2C and B2B enterprises to evaluate professional desktop GIS software. By combining literature analysis with qualitative primary research, the study defines essential criteria for selection and tendering processes in the GIS market.

• Market development of professional desktop GIS software (2003–2006).
• Technical architecture and structural logic of GIS software systems.
• Development of a qualitative criteria catalogue through expert interviews.
• Benchmarking and weighting of GIS software requirements.
• Analysis of real-world implementation and tender processes in B2B/B2C environments.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

5 Introduction: This chapter outlines the thesis objective of developing a criterion catalogue for professional GIS software to support B2B and B2C enterprise decision-making.

6 Description of the project ‚Analysis of Prof. GIS-Desktop SW’: This section details the project framework, the cascade model methodology used for research, and the specific milestones and project phases.

7 Topics: This central chapter provides an overview of the GIS market, explains system architectures, details the development of the criteria catalogue, and presents findings from qualitative interviews with industry partners.

8 Conclusion and Views Forward: This final chapter synthesizes the research findings, highlighting the necessity of flexible licensing models and dynamic database connectivity for modern GIS software implementations.

Keywords

GIS-Software, Desktop GIS, B2B, B2C, Criterion Catalogue, Market Survey, Professional GIS, Data Analysis, Software Architecture, Tender Process, Qualitative Research, Customer Relationship Management, Data Management, Licensing Models.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core purpose of this bachelor thesis?

The thesis aims to create a qualitative criteria catalogue to serve as a decision-making tool for businesses evaluating and purchasing professional desktop GIS software.

Which market segments are being analyzed?

The study focuses on the Business to Consumer (B2C) and Business to Business (B2B) markets regarding their usage of professional GIS-Desktop software.

What is the central research question?

The research asks which qualitative criteria are most important for professional GIS-Desktop systems in the B2C and B2B sectors to satisfy business model requirements for their customers.

Which scientific methodology is applied?

The study utilizes a combination of secondary literature research and primary research through qualitative structured interviews with professionals, embedded in a 'cascade model' process.

What topics are covered in the main part of the thesis?

The main part covers market overviews, GIS system classifications, architectural descriptions, the development of a criteria catalogue, and detailed case studies from industry interviews.

Which keywords characterize the work?

Key terms include GIS-Software, Criterion Catalogue, Desktop GIS, Tender Process, and Data Analysis.

How does the project use the 'cascade model'?

The cascade model is employed to structure the research, allowing for backward steps between phases (such as analysis and design) to ensure risk minimization throughout the project duration.

What was a recurring finding from the expert interviews?

Interviewees consistently emphasized the need for greater flexibility in licensing models and the requirement for dynamic database interfaces to integrate with external systems.

How is the criteria catalogue weighted?

The catalogue uses a ranking procedure where each criterion is assigned a quantifier (percentage by weight) to reflect its importance to the specific needs of the company.