Summary of findings Investigation 1:
- Software developers were found
to be the most aware and most likely to use open source software in their projects.
- “freedom to install the software
on an unlimited number of computers” is considered the number 1 potential motive for using OS software followed by“free license charge” and “flexibility to modify the source code”
- A few participants of the user
category mentioned challenges they faced with OS software with regards to usability.
Summary of finding for Investigation 2:
- Users usually have very high
expectations regarding the spatial analysis they want to see.
- Even in projects that undergo
a needs analysis phase, the functional requirements tend to change or “mature” as the project progresses.
- Most of the software used in
web mapping projects proves to provide sufficient
features for the project needs.
Summary of findings for Investigation 3:
- MapServer is a very competitive
software and almost equivalent to its proprietary rivals.
- MapServer is in close contact
with the industry and is compliant with numerous open standards.
- Installation of MapServer on
Windows remains a challenge as compared to the proprietary products.
