The GIS industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. The transition from traditional paper maps to dynamic digital maps has made maps more accessible. From simple to complex data structures, web GIS, mobile GIS and many more. This evolution has not only revolutionized how we understand and interact with our environment but has also amplified GIS as an essential tool across various sectors. The transformation has led to the rapid development of smart cities, efficient transportation, environmental conservation, and countless other applications.
The Evolution of GIS – From Paper Maps to Digital
In the past, paper maps were the primary source of geographic information. These paper maps, while invaluable in their time, were static representations of the world, offering limited scope for analysis and decision-making. However, the evolution of GIS has fundamentally altered the way we perceive and work with spatial data.
The transition from paper maps to digital domains has been revolutionary. With the advent of computers and advanced software, GIS now enables the creation, storage, manipulation, and analysis of geospatial data with unparalleled precision and efficiency.
For instance, emergency services use real-time digital maps to respond to incidents more swiftly, while urban planners employ GIS to design and manage infrastructure. Moreover, digital GIS has enabled the development of navigation systems, such as Google Maps, which have revolutionized how we navigate our world and travel from one location to another.
The Importance of GIS in Modern Life
Today, the impact of GIS is everywhere in our daily lives. It goes beyond traditional geographic uses and is present in many aspects of modern life.
Take, for example, location-based services like ride-sharing apps and food delivery platforms. These services depend on GIS to match users with nearby drivers or restaurants, making urban transportation and dining more convenient.
Every morning, before we head out, we usually check with Google for weather updates. This helps us decide what to wear, what to pack, and which mode of transport to use. All these decisions are connected to a specific area or region.
In this era of smartphones and services that we can get whenever we want, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) serves as our modern compass. Whether we’re using ride-sharing apps to find the nearest driver or ordering food for home delivery, GIS helps us find the resources and services we require.
It transforms complicated location data into convenience, right at our fingertips, making it incredibly easy for us to find our way and access what we need.
Let us explore the changes that have occurred in the GIS industry.
1. Open Source GIS Software
The advent of open-source GIS software has been a transformative development in the GIS industry. Unlike proprietary GIS solutions that often come with hefty price tags, open-source GIS software is freely available to anyone, fostering a spirit of collaboration and accessibility within the industry.
One notable open-source GIS software is QGIS. QGIS offers a comprehensive set of mapping tools, making it a popular choice for those looking to work with geospatial data without the constraints of licensing fees. It has a robust community of contributors continually enhancing its capabilities.
Another example is GRASS GIS, a powerful open-source option designed for advanced geospatial analysis. It provides a wide range of tools for tasks such as spatial modeling, cartography, and image processing.
This shift towards open-source GIS software has democratized access to geospatial technology. It has empowered individuals, small organizations, and even entire governments to harness the power of spatial data without budget constraints. Moreover, the collaborative nature of open source has led to the development of numerous plugins, extending the functionality of open-source GIS software even further.
2. Web GIS
The emergence of Web GIS revolutionized the way geographic information is shared and accessed. Traditional GIS systems often operated in silos, making it challenging to share spatial data and insights across organizations and with the public. Web GIS has changed this landscape by making geospatial information available through web-based platforms.
One prime example of Web GIS in action is Esri’s ArcGIS Online. It’s a cloud-based mapping and analysis solution that allows users to create, share, and access maps and data from any device with an internet connection. This means that valuable geographic information can be made available to stakeholders and the public with ease.
Furthermore, Google Maps is another illustration of the power of Web GIS. It not only assists in navigation but also integrates with various apps and websites, offering location-based services and facilitating business operations.
Web GIS has broken down geographical barriers, enabling organizations to reach a global audience. It has also empowered the public with tools like crowdsourced mapping, where citizens can contribute to geographic data collection, enhancing the accuracy and relevance of maps and location-based services. A simple case scenario is the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) which is dedicated to community development through open mapping.
3. Cloud-Based GIS
The emergence of Cloud-Based GIS solutions ushered in a new era of scalability, flexibility, and accessibility in the geospatial industry. Leading the charge is Amazon Web Services (AWS) with Amazon Location Service. This cloud-based platform allows organizations to build location-aware applications quickly and efficiently.
Similarly, Microsoft Azure offers Azure Maps, a suite of geospatial services for developers. These cloud-based solutions significantly reduce the burden of maintaining on-premises GIS infrastructure and simplify the process of hosting and sharing geospatial data.
Cloud-based GIS also facilitates collaboration among teams spread across different locations.
4. Mobile GIS
The integration of GIS capabilities into mobile devices redefined fieldwork and data collection. Field workers or data collectors equipped with smartphones or tablets can now access and update geospatial information in real-time.
There are several mobile tools serving this purpose effectively such as ODK, Kobo, Collector for ArcGIS, Survey 123, QField and many more. These tools enable users to gather data in the field and synchronize it with a central database.
Mobile GIS is not limited to data collection alone. Navigation apps, like Google Maps, use real-time GPS data to provide users with dynamic traffic information and alternative routes. This level of connectivity is invaluable to commuters and road authorities.
5. Geospatial APIs
Geospatial APIs have revolutionized the way developers incorporate location-based services into their applications. The Google Maps API, for example, empowers businesses to embed maps, geocoding, and directions into their websites and mobile apps. This possibility has been revolutionary in many ways.
Moreover, other platforms such as Mapbox offer a range of APIs that give developers the freedom to customize their maps and access extensive geospatial data. These APIs are leveraged by applications that require tailored and interactive mapping experiences.
Today, nearly all existing GIS systems consume or provide the capabilities to interact with using APIs.
6. Machine Learning and AI
The fusion of Geospatial Information Systems with Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence has opened new frontiers for analysis and prediction. For instance, satellite imagery, when processed through machine learning algorithms, can identify changes in land use over time. Climate scientists also use AI to model weather patterns and predict severe weather events.
Machine Learning and AI enhance GIS by automating the interpretation of spatial data. This, in turn, simplifies the extraction of insights, making it easier to identify trends, detect anomalies, and plan for future scenarios. The technology is at the core of smart city initiatives, enabling efficient resource allocation and informed decision-making.
This integration has also enabled users to deal with big data easily to analyze, monitor and predict activities on the earth’s surface. So much innovation is ongoing on this frontier.
7. 3D GIS
3D GIS excites every GIS user. It helps in the effective visualization of areas or features. Three-Dimensional Geographic Information Systems provide an extra dimension of depth and perspective. Esri’s ArcGIS 3D Analyst, for instance, is used for urban planning and design. It allows architects and city planners to visualize structures and landscapes in 3D, providing a more realistic view of future developments. The capability to fly over an area on our screens is captivating.
Three-dimensional GIS is pivotal in fields like archaeology, where it enables the reconstruction of historical sites with precision. Google Earth is another familiar example, offering users a 3D view of Earth’s landscapes and cities.
Today, 3D GIS is used in many sectors such as disaster response, urban planning, building and construction monitoring and many more.
8. IoT Integration
We’re living in an era of more interconnected devices than before. These devices are recording, communicating, storing and transmitting data to other devices and systems. This interconnectedness has been a game changer.
For instance, in agriculture, sensors in fields collect data on soil conditions, moisture levels, and weather. This data is then processed and used to make informed decisions on irrigation and crop management. This is information farmers and management can get directly on their devices; mobile, web or messaging
Another example is how urban planners rely on IoT to monitor traffic flow, parking availability, and environmental conditions. By integrating this data into GIS, they can optimize urban infrastructure and enhance quality of life. This can lead to more livable cities for the people.
9. Geospatial Standards
Geospatial Standards play a critical role in ensuring interoperability and consistency across the industry. These standards help in the creation, sharing, and utilization of geospatial data and services across various platforms and organizations.
The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) defines and maintains standards like Web Map Service (WMS) and Web Feature Service (WFS), which facilitate data sharing and access.
Adherence to these standards simplifies the integration of data from multiple sources, making it easier to create comprehensive, cross-domain maps and applications. These standards also promote data quality and consistency, enhancing the reliability of geospatial information.
10. Spatial Databases
Spatial databases are the backbone of GIS, organizing geospatial data for efficient retrieval and analysis. These databases are the foundation of location-based services, ensuring that data can be quickly retrieved and displayed. They also underpin data analysis, enabling the execution of spatial queries and geoprocessing tasks.
Spatial databases support various geospatial data types, including points, lines, polygons, and more complex objects like multi-polygons and 3D geometries. These data types allow for the representation of diverse geographic features and their spatial relationships.
These databases help in many ways valuable to the GIS industry. These can include;
- Geocoding and reverse geocoding
- Topological relationships
- Integration with GIS software
- Spatial functions and operations
- Spatial indexing
Spatial databases such as PostGIS, Oracle Spatial, and Microsoft SQL Server Spatial stand as pivotal pillars in the realm of geospatial data management.
The GIS industry is experiencing even greater innovation, promising a future where GIS will be at the centre point of every decision made across different sectors. There is so much happening, but time will tell.
10 Key Developments that Changed the GIS Industry