GIS analysis of cropping systems: proceedings of an International Workshop on Harmonization of Databases for GIS Analysis of Cropping Systems in the Asia Region,18-19 Aug 1997, ICRISAT-Patancheru, India

Geographic information systems (GIS) have come a long way from obscurity in the 1980s to now become commonplace in universities, international research institutions, government departments, and private businesses where the technology is used for a wide range of applications. In the last few years, its application has been increasing in agricultural research and development. The International Workshop on Harmonization of Databases for GI S Analysis of Cropping Systems in the Asia Region, held 18-19 Aug 1997 at ICRISAT, Patancheru, India examined the current status of available software options, database requirements, availability of data, database storage and exchange procedures, options for GI S outputs and optimization of regional interactions in the use of GI S for cropping system analysis wi t h respect to Asia. GI S specialists from international agricultural research centers (IARCs) and national agricultural research systems (NARS) of Asia reviewed state-of-the-art know-how in using GI S as a research tool for the characterization of target environments, soil, water and nutrient management, integrated pest and disease management, and sustainable land-use systems. The workshop focussed on three basic questions: "what information is available?", "in what form is the information available?", and "in what form should the GI S output be?" Recommendations were made on the effective use of GI S and on the possibility of harmonizing datasets for common use by IARCs and NARS. The workshop was followed by a hands-on training program on the use of GI S in analysis of cropping systems of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The country case studies prepared during this training program wi l l be published as a separate volume. The present publication includes status papers describing GI S as a research tool, types of GI S software available and its use in different institutions.