| This research develops a framework to facilitate the systematic evaluation of proposed capital investment in Automated Mapping Systems. A microcomputer based economic model was developed to incorporate costs and savings, calculate traditional financial indices and conduct appropriate sensitivity analyses. Risk analysis using Monte Carlo Simulation allows the explicit consideration of the risk and uncertainty associated with the cash flows. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to evaluate the intangible benefits associated with the use of AM systems. Three small communities in Missouri: Cuba, Plattsburg and Branson each with population less than five thousand were used as case studies.; The framework received good evaluations from six experts, three practising engineers using AM systems in small communities, and three faculty members at the University of Missouri-Rolla who are experts in financial analysis and economics.; This research initiative should be extended to evaluate the suitability and applicability of this framework to a wider range of small communities in the USA. |
