There are several software applications and systems available on the market that can help professionals create maps and perform data analysis. For those just getting started, it is important to understand that each type of activity requires a more appropriate system.
Figure 1 illustrates the relationship between activities and the most suitable systems. Map production requires specialized software and professionals with knowledge of cartography or Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This activity typically demands significant resources, including satellite imagery and high-performance computers with substantial processing capacity.
Figure 1 – Recommended Activities and Systems
The second activity is related to data analysis. In this case, professionals specialize in areas such as marketing, logistics, planning, and related fields. They require software that is easy to learn, simple to use, and specifically designed for analytical tasks. Their main concern is obtaining and organizing the data to be analyzed.
The third activity involves distributing information through maps. To accomplish this, technical professionals must develop applications for a client-server environment, which requires knowledge of specific programming languages. It is also necessary to purchase or rent a data server where information resources can be installed and configured.
Before choosing a software solution, it is essential to clearly understand which activity is the priority. Once this has been determined, the necessary resources can be acquired and implemented.