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|a Geographical Information System (GIS) has been widely used in solving various geospatial-related problems. Cost of purchasing licensed GIS software has always been an issue in many implementing organizations, especially the public sectors. This scenario has led to an alternative approach for Free and Open Source GIS Software (FOSS GIS). However, a study of the ability and functionalities offered by these free or low-cost packages is necessary to suit the requirements of an organization or for a particular application(s). The aim of this study is to investigate the need for GIS functions in the management and use of geospatial data at the District Land Office (PTD) and the potential use of FOSS GIS functionalities in the applications as required by this agency. The methodology includes gathering the feedbacks on the job functions at the PTDs and testing the functionalities of four FOSS GIS packages that suit the requirements of this agency, i.e. Quantum GIS, gvSIG, OpenJump and MapWindow GIS. The selection of these packages is made based on the survey of 42 respondents involving 13 PTDs. The evaluation of these criteria is done analytically in determining the weighted value using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results of this assessment shows that FOSS GIS are potential in terms of search and inquiry, data acquisition and preparation, data editing and validation, data transformation and manipulation, analysis, and presentation. The analysis reveals that Quantum GIS (QGIS) software is the most potential and capable in providing tools as required by the PTDs in dealing with their geospatial-related applications.
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