Recent advancements in microcomputer application development and storage capability have allowed for the development of increasingly robust Geographic Information Systems (GIS).  As the Port of Wilmington seeks to continue and expand its services to customers, the affordability and utility of GIS becomes more apparent.  This paper represents a project conducted by the University of Delaware to provide a working demonstrative GIS package, utilizing actual Port data, in order to illustrate the operations of a GIS and provide guidance in the possible future development of a more permanent functioning GIS platform for the Port.  The authors begin with an overview of the Port of Wilmington, Delaware. A summarized history of the Port is presented, along with a discussion of management and ownership.  The benefits of a digital means of storage for Port records over the Port's current methods are discussed.  An overview of GIS is then given.  The authors give a review of the nature of GIS databases and the types of data that can be stored. In order to create the Port GIS database, data needed to be converted from existing CAD computer files.  The user environment of the particular GIS package being used for this project is then discussed.  The spatial operation and analysis capabilities of the GIS package are reviewed.  Specific application examples for the Port are discussed. An overview of commercially available GIS software is then presented.  Conclusions and recommendations for future action are discussed.