Geographical information systems and the evaluation of the location of facilities

This paper describes the integration of system performance indicators with GIS, to support the evaluation of the spatial pattern of facilities. Spatial indicators are considered to be composed of general component functions. The optional functions are discussed with which existing as well as new indicators can be (re)constructed. This system is integrated as an analytic procedure in the GIS package TRANSCAI). The system allows the user to define indicators in terms of its constituent elements, dependent on given specific information needs. We argue that this modular approach, as a general design principle, enhances the flexibility and efficiency of spatial DSS systems and offers promising possibilities for the implementation of analytic expertise knowledge.