Florida's marine resource information system: A geographic decision support system

Abstract Decision support systems (DSS) are a class of information systems where data, models, and an interface are combined to support a decision-maker's needs for data and analysis. This article reports on a system which fits all of the classic definitions of a DSS and which includes spatial models of object locations as crucial parts of the analytic, data, and interface support provided to the user. The system illustrates several interesting aspects of the construction of systems of this type, including the potential role of geographic information system (GIS) capabilities in DSS; the translation of user decision support needs with a geographic component into a DSS architecture; and the integration of a PC-based GIS package with additional interface, data management, and analytic tools. The system also illustrates certain managerial implications for systems of this type, including the importance of planning for system maintenance and the value of geographic data.