Figure 8. Graph information update menu option



Figure 9. Core database on mineral deposits and password for editing



Figure 10. Context help menu option showing hyper linked text file
Application potentials and limitations
The MRIS as visualized can be used for various purposes such as for easy accessibility of geological information, for sharing of geochemical data, in mineral exploration, revenue collection, environmental assessment and management, for mineral customer support, and for research and education purposes.

In developmental stage as in the present form, MRIS has various limitations. The database is not complete in many respects due to non-availability of information from mining authorities. The production data is available for only one year where as it should be available for past few years. It does not have a map with lease area boundaries. The satellite data provided also does not cover completely the study area. Apart from this, there could be other limitations that can only be known by extensive use/ validation by actual users.

Conclusion
The present attempt has demonstrated that an information system with spatial and non-spatial information can be developed and can be used by clients without expensive commercial GIS packages. In the present case only for preparing spatial data layers, GIS and DIP packages were used, for data access, display, query and updating of non-spatial data, MRIS can be used. The system can be packaged and given to users who can update the database and use it as per their needs. Although it has many limitations in the developmental stage, it has utility value and such MRIS can be easily developed for other mineral deposits of India. Most importantly, it has highlighted that in the era of software customization, it is essential that some basic component of any information system should be independent of any GIS package, then there should be gradual entry into the GIS system through customized menu system, and finally most experienced users can be exposed to the GIS system as it is, thereby allowing gradual learning of the spatial information system. Secondly for most of the basic usage of any information system, investment in terms of GIS infrastructure and GIS training is not a mandatory. This goes well with the assumption that almost 80 percent of the users need only 20 percent of the information system, which can be proprietary GIS independent and remaining 20 percent of the users need very advance processing related to 80 percent of the spatial information usage, which definitely requires a GIS system. Thus in every attempt to develop spatial information system, particularly targeting different user groups, it is worthwhile to consider this MRIS philosophy.

Acknowledgements
Authors are thankful to various organizations such as Orissa Mining and Geology Directorate, OMC, SAIL, TISCO, OMDC, IBM and various other private mining owners for providing information and help during field work in Singhbhum-Keonjhar region. Authors are also thankful to Dr. P.S. Roy, Dean, IIRS and Prof. V.K. Jha for providing all facilities to carry out the study.

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