Abstract

A method for GIS usability measurement


Alexander Nikov
University of West Indies,
Email: nikov@gmx.net


Micheal Andrew McAdams
Dr.
Fatih University
Email: amcadams@fatih.edu.tr

Farhat Karaca
Dr.
Fatih University
Email: fkaraca@fatih.edu.tr

Robin Antoine
Dr.
University of West Indies
Email: rantoine@fsa.uwi.tt

Ashok Sahai
Prof.
University of West Indies
Email: asahai@fsa.uwi.tt


This paper explores the usability of a geographic information system (GIS) be measuring a manufacturing site. For this purpose a usability measurement method is proposed. It is based on a usability checklist and a backpropagation neural network. The method is implemented as a MATLAB program. A case study of using ArcGIS was performed. The GIS usability when applied to the task of inspecting the suitability of a site for the location of an industrial plant was quantitatively measured and analysed. Many usability problems were discovered and appropriate design recommendations for GIS are proposed. A comparison of the method proposed with a traditional measurement approach showed higher accuracy. The combination of a checklist, the neural network method and the quantitative nature of the study appear to be unique for GIS usability analysis

Keywords: Geographic information systems; usability measurement; neural networks