We live in an exciting world, don’t we?

Technology is evolving and growing at a faster rate than ever before, and Geographic Information Systems is a fine example of this.

A New World With GIS

With vast amounts of data being generated each second, along with an ever-increasing demand for information, it is safe to say that change itself seems to be the only constant of the modern world.

GIS, which is the abbreviation of “geographic information system”, has revolutionized the way we think of spatial information and geography in general.

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So What Is A Geographic Information System – And What Does It Do?

As the name suggests, GIS is typically a computer program or software that has been designed specifically to record and process data that pertains to the geography of the earth. This means that it can store and analyze large volumes of data that has to do with location, distance, time, space, terrain, and other elements of a similar nature.

To those who are completely new to the term, it may seem of limited use and importance but, in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. These systems are not merely in use by geologists or institutions such as NASA. Everyday professionals in all sorts of industries use them frequently.

Real Life Examples Of GIS In Today’s Society

To give you a clear picture of the value and importance of Geographic Information Systems, let’s review the following examples:

  • GIS is used in the making of maps, complex maps interrelation, urban and city planning, environmental impact assessment, resource management, business development, expansion, and sales and marketing.
  • Currently, it is being used wherever there is a need to analyze problems affected by time and space.
  • The usefulness and implementation of GIS technology into the future proves no trend is constant and predictable. Some research patterns suggest we may see a rather big change in the field of GIS – as scientists and engineers try to bring the GIS technology “indoors”. In other words, geographical information systems may become a lot more intricate than we can imagine right now.

How You Are Using GIS Today

Numerous apps in the market use geographical information systems to help you locate a place of interest all over the world. This may be popular restaraunts, social hangouts, nighltlife and more.

If you searched for a shopping mall, as an example, the location is found instantly.

The Opportunity To Invent New GIS Technology Is Prime For The Taking – Will You Be The One To Do It? [highlight]let us know in the comments below.[/highlight]

References:
1- http://www.esri.com/news/arcwatch/0211/future-of-gis.html
2- http://geography.about.com/od/geographyintern/a/gisoverview.htm

Ian
Ian