Organizations about to implement or expand their use of GIS technology usually undergo a formal process called needs analysis to determine how GIS can be best applied to their specific business needs. Often called needs assessment or requirements definition, this process involves the study of the various business functions of the organization and the identification of the geographic information and processing needs of those functions that are consistent with the overall goals and mission of the organization. The result is a system design that considers a number of different factors affecting the successful implementation and use of GIS in accordance with the unique business environment of each organization.