Advances in geographical information systems
From INVESaTWIKI
Technological trends - Geographic Information System
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is
defined as a computer system capable of
storing, retrieving and managing data identified
according to its location (geographical
referenced information).
Over the past decade, companies such as
ESRI, Intergraph, Laser Scan and SICAD were
formed, transforming GIS into a multi-billion
Euro industry. In parallel, the advent of satellite
navigation provided a valuable tool for
surveyors, hydrographers, geodesists,
geophysicists and environmental scientists in
general.
GIS systems are nowadays largely used, not
only in the science domain, but also in
commercial and public service activities.
Managers of both fixed and mobile assets and
business analysts throughout the world
routinely use geographical information
systems. Fixed physical assets such as street
furniture, power and telecom infrastructure
are just some of the assets whose efficient
management is facilitated by modern PCbased
GIS. Digital map displays are routinely
used in fleet management systems for vehicles
of all types, relying heavily on GIS technology.
Digital maps are fundamental components for
in-car navigation systems.
The combination of geographical information
systems with satellite navigation is at the root
of most of the new applications already on
the market. [1]
References
[1] Galileo Joint Undertaking
"Business in satellite navigation - An overview of market developments and emerging applications".
