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Development and Evaluation of Software for Spatial Record‐Keeping of Golf Course Turf
Author(s) -
Golombek Claudio H.,
Fermanian Thomas W.,
Braga Paula P.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1999.9161042x
Subject(s) - unix , computer science , table (database) , software , course (navigation) , database , geographic information system , interface (matter) , graphical user interface , management system , field (mathematics) , user friendly , user interface , software engineering , operating system , remote sensing , operations management , engineering , mathematics , bubble , maximum bubble pressure method , geology , pure mathematics , aerospace engineering
Most current golf course management record‐keeping software systems have been adapted for golf course use from accounting or inventory control systems. These are based on table or card‐filling systems that have a nonintuitive connection to the geographic features of the golf course and are not spatially referenced. A geographic information system (GIS) based management tool, Golf Course Management System (GCMS), was developed as a new approach for human–machine interaction in golf course management. GIS provides a framework within which management decisions can be related to operating equipment on the field. The interface of GCMS allows a user to view the physical areas on a map where maintenance operations were directed, determine distance and area affected, and input usage history related to record keeping and decision support. This historical database could potentially be used to measure environmental impacts, assist in budgetary estimates, or monitor equipment and/or application needs. The system was designed to provide direct interaction with a course map in a way that is more user‐friendly and intuitive. Multiple evaluations of the system were developed. Superintendents at golf courses across Illinois were the final end‐user evaluators. Users found this map‐based approach to organizing records easy for golf course superintendents to use the information contained inside the database. GCMS runs on Unix, Windows, MacOS, or any platform that supports the software ArcView.