Proper design of geospatial applications, models, and databases and the validation and verification of design activities are critical components of work in all areas related to GIS&T. Design failures can negate well-intentioned efforts to apply concepts and technology to solve real-world problems. While sharing a number of concerns with general systems analysis, the unique and complex spatial characteristics of geospatial information provide significant additional challenges. The focus of this knowledge area is on the design of applications and databases for a particular need. The design of general-purpose models and tools (e.g., raster and vector) is covered in Knowledge Area: Data Modeling (DM). In the context of specific implementations, design activities fall into three general classes:
1. Application Design addresses the development of workflows, procedures, and customized software tools for using geospatial technologies and methods to accomplish both routinary and unique tasks that are inherently geographic.
2. Analytic Model Design incorporates methods for developing mathematical models, spatial models and data processes. The design of the analytic model is often influenced by decisions that are made about data models and structures.
3. Database Design concerns the optimal organization of the necessary spatial data in a computer environment in order to efficiently sustain a particular application or enterprise.