As part of the initial development phase of GIS implementation at the North Carolina Department of Transportation, a GIS workstation evaluation was carried out from December 1, 1988, to April 30, 1989. The primary purpose of the evaluation was to test the performance of graphics workstations within a distributed network environment. The workstation evaluation tested hardware, network capabilities, and operating systems for a transportation GIS (GIS-T). During the project, workstation vendors were selected; criteria were developed for the testing of workstation performance; performance tests were executed; and recommendations for GIS workstation procurement were made. The methods used to evaluate graphics workstation performance for a statewide transportation GIS are outlined. Workstation products from three vendors, International Business Machines (IBM), Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), and SUN Microsystems were evaluated. Results of the evaluation are presented in the context of workstation performance tests, network capabilities, operating systems, vendor support, and workstation prices. Recommendations for workstation procurement specific to the needs of the North Carolina Department of Transportation are made.

A geographic information system (GIS) workstation evaluation for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) was performed as part of an initial development phase of GIS implementation. The evaluation took place from December 1, 1988, to April 30, 1989. The objectives of the workstation evaluation were to model proposed physical and operational computer environments, evaluate graphic workstation performance, and formulate recommendations for hardware procurement for a GIS for transportation (GIS-T).