GIS, noodzaak of luxe? een verkenning naar het gebruik van geografische informatiesystemen bij private ondernemingen in Nederland

In the Netherlands the public sector is one of the most important groups of users of GIS. The range of potential applications is considerable. Knowledge about the application of geographical information systems (GIS) in the private sector in the Netherlands is still limited to anecdotes and case-studies. This study presents the findings of a survey of an exploratory nature amongst private organisations in trade/retailing, finance, industry, transportation/communication and the service agencies industry. The discussion examines the results of a comprehensive survey of 2572 private companies in the Netherlands. These provide an overview of GIS adoption in relation to private sector type and size. Given the broad framework of spatial data and GIS particular attention is focused on the type of data and systems that have been adopted, examining the take-up of GIS over time, the software and hardware being utilised and the perceived benefits associated withthe role that GIS plays in the organisation. -from English summary