Are you interested in Geographic information systems?
If so, you’ll be surprised to know they are considered among the most fascinating technological developments of modern times.
What Is GIS?
The term GIS refers to both devices and software that help people carry out searches and analysis based on geographical locations and distances. This is usually in relation to time. It is mostly used to produce and interpret maps by means of allocating specific coordinates to specific regions, latitudes and longitudes.
Geographical Information Systems are more valuable in today’s society than ever before. We use them everyday (whether you realize it or not) when getting directions on our phone, gps or computer. GIS is also used in companies, to produce maps that compile massive amounts of data into a simple and easily understood picture.
History And Development Of GIS
The recent historical narrative of geographical information systems is no less interesting than the systems themselves as they materialized rather quickly over a relatively short span of time.
This can be explained in phases:
PHASE 1 – Beginning in the early 1960s and lasting almost 15 years, this is when geographical information systems took flight and became noticed all around the World. GIS at this time was reserved to a select few organizations with deep pockets.
PHASE 2 – In the late 1970’s Geographic Information Systems captured National attention, often being used in Government agencies. The true value of these GIS and it’s ability to analyze and interpret large ammounts of data like no other system before was realized.
PHASE 3 – For the next decade, geographical information systems were marketed to the general public. Smaller organizations now had access to these complex information systems, and the popularity spread quickly. coming under the fold of market-based commercialization, which allows a greater number of people and entities to interact with it. In these years, GIS technology was tailored to everyday users instead of only technical masterminds.
PHASE 4 – Since the mid-90’s GIS technology has continuously grown with new inventions and ground-breaking advancements. Today, we use Geographic Information Systems everyday in multiple industries and countries around the world.
Conclusion
Overall, from the moment GIS made its way out of the lab and into the real world, it became quite clear that it was a force to be reckoned with and how much potential lay untouched within this field.
It’s growing faster than ever, and the industry is worth trillions of dollars a year.
QUESTION: Do You Use Geographic Information Systems? If So, What Do You Love Most About Them And What Do You Hope To Learn?? let us know your answer in the comments below…
References:
1- http://www.esri.com/news/arcnews/fall12articles/the-fiftieth-anniversary-of-gis.html
2- http://ucgis.org/ucgis-fellow/roger-tomlinson
3- http://www.gislounge.com/history-of-gis/
4- http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Open_Source_GIS_History
