Management and valuation of digital geographic data through atomic measurements of data usage.

摘要

This research proposes and develops new techniques for the measurement of geographic data use, based on counting “hits” at the “atomic” level of a data system—individual data elements. A comprehensive literature review discloses that the Geographic Information System (GIS) community has long struggled with the issue of economic valuation of geographic data systems. GIS proponents desire better economic tools to convince wary administrators of the true economic value of geographic data. However, value derives from use, and the industry has lacked clear metrics of data use. Working data hit counter software is developed and explained. An econometric model is proposed, which when combined with the hit counting software offers a demonstration of the viability of economic tracking of on-going GIS operations. Much of the economic tracking is performed using “unit” cost and benefit factors, whereby each data element exhibits two algorithms: One calculates its cost, and the other focuses on benefits generated from use. The viability of the hit counting process and the econometric model are evaluated with suggestions for future development.