-------- Original Message --------
Subject: mapinfo v esri, and fraud detection
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 10:43:09 -0400
From: Gene Shackman <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]

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Hi all

Two questions:

1. What are the MAJOR differences or advantages between MapInfo and ESRI
products (arcgis, arcview, etc...)

Both can do simple maps, so why would I choose one over the other?

I work in government, mainly mapping government programs, services we
provide, where client live, compared with poverty.

If the major advantages can be stated relating to those terms, great. If
not, great too.



2. Has anyone used gis for fraud detection in government programs?

For example, according to a recent news story on informationbuilders web
site and news stories they linked to, the Louisiana DSS used WebFocus from
Informationbuilders and software from ESRI (makers of Arcview) to map where
Food Stamp (FS) recipients lived and where they used their coupons.

Some of the things they looked at to detect fraud were: transactions per
client; when clients redeemed their checks at stores far away from where
they lived; and when stores frequently redeemed checks from people who
lived far away.

Has anyone used gis software besides ESRI and WebFocus? How much did they
cost, what other software is recommended?


If I get lots of responses, I can post summaries to the list.

Thanks

Gene

Gene Shackman, Ph.D.
Evaluation and Analysis Unit
NYS DOH - Division of Nutrition
150 Broadway, FL6 West
Albany NY 12204
518 402 7304      [log in to unmask]
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Applied Sociologist - Problem Solver
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