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This article reviews four mapping and geographic analysis packages for IBM-compatible microcomputers: Atlas Graphics, LandTrak, MapInfo, and pcARC/INFO. Atlas∗Graphics is designed to build thematic, or shaded data maps. MapInfo and LandTrak, the two most similar packages, are designed to display point data/values for specific locations. And pcARC/INFO emphasizes the construction of different map layers, or coverages. Separately or together, these four packages can support a wide range of planning applications, including data display, land information storage and retrieval, zone and district management, notification, permit-tracking and growth management, site selection, environmental impact assessment, development suitability modeling, and transportation network modeling.