GIS is a geographic information system developed to collect, store, processing, analyzing, managing, and displaying different types of geographic data. Since a large portion of the data is spatial and refers to various locations on the Earth, geography is the center of this technology.
GIS is designed for multilateral work with data for receiving, storing, updating, and visualizing it. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate GIS according to several criteria. Operating with cartographic information, the system functions to accelerate decision-making on the efficient use of land and resources, management of urban economics, coordination of transport, or other spatial objects.
As a technological product, GIS incorporates several software tools that automate the collection and analysis of information up to a few clicks. GIS systems possess a wide range of methods for data collection and technological tools for its generalization. And those methods combine both conventional (digital) information databases and graphical databases.
Geographic information systems can also be considered as modeling systems since they are utilized in modeling various situations depending on the available data. On top of that, they enable the possibility to download data and assess the real situation.
The application of GIS stretches across different industries, including telecommunications, transportation, environmental monitoring, etc. For instance, the use of GIS in agriculture enables growers to improve decision-making when planning their crop cultivation to maximize yields.
Among the biggest benefits of using geographic information, systems are their mobility and clear display of data. But as technology keeps developing, so does GIS exponentially. In this article, we will see what modern tech advancements impact GIS and how.
Artificial Intelligence
In recent years, GIS goes hand in hand with another rapidly developing technology is Artificial Intelligence. This symbiosis is called GeoAI and is mostly utilized in urban infrastructure planning and changes monitoring in a particular period.
For instance, GIS backed up by AI can be helpful when analyzing how land stewardship and roadways building impact both air pollution and the health of local citizens. Researchers can use GIS for easy traffic patterns analysis to see how it changes throughout the day about the concentration of harmful particles in the air. Such data could enable pollution levels prediction and timely issuing of alerts.
Although GeoAI is still new, it seems to have great chances of becoming one of the future trends in GIS, making a huge impact on people’s everyday life. Apart from land use and infrastructure analysis, GeoAI can also be applied to traffic jams monitoring, health systems, farming, and many other spheres.
Web and Wireless Networks
There was a need for enhanced methods of geospatial data transmission and distribution to consumers. This demand is now being satisfied by faster and broader web and wireless networks. They enable worldwide sharing and distribution of spatiotemporal data (including for real-time apps) between governments and consumers.
Most Relevant Data
One of the main opportunities GIS offers is the ability to collect and analyze data in real-time, which significantly enhances research processes and mapping systems. But how can real-time geospatial data benefit consumers too?
For instance, it can be utilized by different location-based services like ride-hailing or goods and services delivery apps. With access to real-time data, consumers can track their drivers and couriers to see the exact time of their arrival.
Real-time geospatial information can also be useful when monitoring development progress amid natural disasters. Emergency management services can use GIS platforms to create crisis maps based on a combination of satellite data, statistical models, and crowdsourced data.
Ultimately, when time is a sensitive matter in the decision-making process, it’s critical to have the most relevant data. That is why real-time data analysis is a vital advancement in the development of GIS technology.
Miniaturized Tech
Internet of Things (IoT) is currently driven by the development of small-sized, inexpensive, and wireless sensors and devices. Such miniaturized and cheaper sensors lead to an increase in the amount, type, time, and location of data collected. Besides, it allows for attuning the sensor to the particular data collection that is necessary.
Consumer-Facing Data
GIS technology has resulted in smarter decision-making in many areas. That is thanks to offering more valuable data for consumers. For instance, when people are looking for houses, they want not to see only the pictures of a building and its design but to know what district it’s located in, what is the infrastructure nearby, etc. And GIS data offers easy access to all of this information.
Another industry whose consumers benefit from GIS data is healthcare. Different GIS-powered devices and software let people track their steps, heart rate, sleep patterns, and more. With such information always available, it’s easier to reach fitness goals and become healthier overall by making data-based decisions concerning one’s health.
The Future of GIS
Apart from being essential to cartography and modern maps, GIS technology is evidently altering supply chains and asset management in different industries already. But its possibilities don’t end there. Looking into the future of GIS, it’s easy to notice its potential in revolutionizing the virtual world. As the popularity of AR and VR is rising among consumers worldwide, the use cases of 3D GIS applications will continue to expand.
Such potential growth of GIS technology application in the future owes to the amassing abilities of digital connectedness and collaboration. Indeed, the biggest trends in the area of geographic information system technology show that its development vector is set on better data accessibility and visualization. This is especially important in the current times when people take fast and easy access to information for granted.
Wrapping it all up, the future of GIS looks quite bright. Mostly, thanks to its much wider scale of adoption in recent decades. More and more businesses and organizations begin to notice how much they can benefit from leveraging geospatial data. Besides, with the evolving trends of data analytics, AR, and IoT it’s reasonable to expect GIS and tech not only to be transformed but also to aid in changing the way businesses implement these technologies.
