Of maps and macros: Object-oriented spreadsheet GIS

I explain how object-oriented mapping may be carried out in spreadsheets, by use of simple user-created maps and macros. The method has uses for teaching, research, and policy. The advantage over current add-in mapping is that the macros can be written by users with basic spreadsheet skills, the procedures are relatively fast, new maps may be drawn or imported, and the macros can be adapted to a variety of applications such as real-time animation, or used in planning situations where 'time is of the essence'. The paper raises a number of issues as to the inflexibility of some GIS modeling capabilities and spreadsheet mapping capability. The approach is illustrated for Quattro Pro for Windows and Excel with Visual Basic, with two classroom applications, and extensions to decision support, animation, and cellular modeling.