the original technical domain becomes widely recognized. There follows a
phase in which new users become specialists, or engage the help of surro-
gate users. Then attempts are made to modify the software to make it us-
able by nonspecialists. Finally, the software is reconceptualized for the
nonspecialist end users. Only then does it succeed in the mass market.
Spreadsheets, CAD, and Web browsers are examples of software that has
traveled this route.
GIS originated in the geographers' community. Its enormous applicabil-
ity beyond that community is clear,
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