In addition, they have too few ways to check current information before recreating it all. We went through the same failures and lack of performance with computers not so many years ago. I think that the distinction has not been clear enough between the functions of the database, where much of the real action is, and the display methods of drawn maps and theme overlays. When we do really get the philosophy of GIS sorted out then I have great hopes. We have developed for millions of years using color vision and only a few hundred with the concept of numbers.
Graphics always win - no contest.
Multimedia databases can recall a great deal of visual data, and inventory plans should consider the acquisition and use of video and still photographs of sample sites and typical examples of inventory information. I believe that the display of stereo maps overlaid on recent stereo photos is an important application of GIS technology. Other than for quality control purposes it may be time to stop displaying information on a map that is better seen against a photo. I would like to see the river directly and have the overlay display the name, sensitivity or other non-visual items, then be able to fade back and forth between the map and photo versions. Common map bases for communication between GIS systems are extremely important, and I would be willing to give up a fair amount of accuracy for that benefit.