Automatic document preparation by interacting GIS software packages using office programs

Abstract

Most GIS desktop computer programs support reporting or documenting graphical or attribute data. However, some difficulties arise for their united reports in desired formats. This situation detains the efficient use of Geographic Information System (GIS) especially in municipalities or in governmental departments where print out of documents based on united data is mostly needed. Therefore, it is necessary to create GIS software packages working with some interface programs to overcome such difficulties. In this study, possibility of automatic document preparation by interacting ArcView GIS with Microsoft Word (MSWord) has been investigated. Test results of the several runs of program showed that the existing difficulties can easily be overcome, and the conventional GIS programs can be a very powerful tool for data handling and reporting. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.