The promise of GIS has always been that it will allow us to obtain better answers to our questions. But this is only possible if we have tools that allows us to perform rigorous quantitative analyses designed for spatial data. I would argue that, ironically, this has always been the least well developed aspect of GIS software and my goal with GME (and its predecessor HawthsTools) is to make a contribution to filling that gap.
I have always offered my software for free in the hope of it being useful to the largest audience. My motivation is primarily ecology and conservation applications although I am aware that these tools are used in a much broader range of disciplines.
If you find this software useful please consider supporting the project by purchasing consulting services* that will result in the improvement of the software.
Payments
The easiest way of paying for consulting services is via Google Checkout. Fill in the amount and press the Buy Now button to be taken to Google's payment processing site. This works from any country, but the purchase amount is expressed in US dollars.
If you prefer to make a payment via cheque (check) or invoice then please email me (Hawthorne Beyer: hawthorne@spatialecology.com) and I will communicate with you directly with the necessary details. I am able to conveniently handle these currencies: U.S. Dollars, Canadian Dollars, British Pounds Stirling, and Euros.
What are you purchasing?
The consulting fee covers my time for researching information (e.g. reading research articles) that could lead to improvements in the software. No specific tangible product results from your payment. If you wish to pay for the development of specific functionality then please email me (hawthorne@spatialecology.com) so that we can develop a formal agreement.
* Why consulting services?
Legally, I am not able to process donations (international law pertaining to the solicitation of donations via the internet is exceedingly complex), and Spatial Ecology LLC is not a tax exempt organisation. I pay tax on the revenue generated from this site. However, as the software is free it is not subject to sales tax. Since I am not selling you a tangible product that you can take delivery of, and as I cannot accept donations, the only remaining option is for you to purchase consulting services.
Best wishes with your geospatial endeavours.
Hawthorne Beyer
hawthorne@spatialecology.com