ABSTRACT
The mere existence of rich data resources does not guarantee that they are accessed and used effectively. Effective use is dependent upon awareness, accessibility and usability of data resources. Also, to be able to use a data set users must be appropriately trained. Many spatial data sets are large and complex, requiring expert skills and knowledge. Raper and Green ( 1 992) attribute an acute shortage of spatial data handling skills to a lack of awareness of the potential usefulness of spatial data, the need to learn concepts associated with the new technology and to develop specific technical skills. The skills shortage is compounded because existing skills are not readily transferable and retraining may take 1 8 months to three years (Davies and Medyckyj-Scott, 1 994) .
