Abstract

The need at the RIVM to improve the accessibility of the usually centrally (server-)stored data for end-users unfamiliar with the necessary specific tools prompted our quick-scan suitability study described in this report. Generic data viewers for spatial and non-spatial data were investigated, with the focus on data stored in ARC/INFO and INGRES formats. Results, however, did not include 'the ultimate tool' among data viewers that we were looking for: namely, a non-customized market tool which can be activated through a WEBbrowser and approach all kinds of data in databases spread across the WEB. However, we can recommend use of one of the following: a non-spatial viewer like MS-Excel or MS-Access or the spatial viewer, Mapscape. MS-Excel and MS-Access have been selected as non-spatial viewers because of the high penetration rate of Microsoft products at the RIVM, the operating ease for both end-user and system administrator and the low costs. MS-Excel is recommended for simple use and MS-Access for more advanced use because of the possibility of specific-application development. The ODBC driver connection needed may sometimes cause compatibility problems. Mapscape, a geodata viewer specially developed for the RIVM, was selected for lack of a more suitable market tool. Although Mapscape has the disadvantage of being a customized tool, at the moment it is the only tool which can fulfil the required function. The developments in the more generic, but very 'green' ArcExplorer, MapCafe (both ESRI) and BasisGis (based on MapObjects) should also be followed closely in the time to come.