A geographic information system (GIS) is a system that is composed of specific hardware, software, and experts that are all involved in acquiring, storing, analyzing, managing, and displaying geo-spatial data in a format that can be manipulated and displayed in digital map form. GIS permits the construction of multi map layers for anything that can be connected to a geographic coordinate system. The purpose of GIS is to manage and analyze the mapped data. GIS is now used in any area that requires spatial data collection for the purpose of analysis, manipulation and modeling. Desktop GIS was the choice to display spatial data, however, GIS and the internet has become an increasingly popular choice for viewing and managing spatial data for digital mapping.

With the expansion and growth of the internet, more people are taking advantage of GIS with GIS technologies becoming more broadly available. Internet GIS has many benefits such as convenience, broader user access, and decentralized data storage. It is now possible to share, analyze, and manage data through internet based spatial data management systems. The internet and GIS have been used to download the most current geographic data for processing and then putting it in a digital map which can be accessed by companies no matter where they are located as well as the general public from all over the world. For instance, the World Health Organization can take advantage of GIS for public health mapping. WHO can track emerging diseases such as swine flu, and track outbreaks in any location anywhere in the world

GIS has become a part of nearly everyone’s daily life. Internet GIS is now being used in e-commerce. GIS wireless applications in e-commerce use technologies to provide customers with directions to such establishments as hotels, restaurants, retail stores, gas stations, and to track vehicles for automatic vehicle location. For institutions such as research organizations, internet GIS allows access to data without a decentralized database. Developers have the ability to take advantage of internet GIS to boost their market share. Business managers are able to make smarter business decisions when using internet GIS. With the expansion of the internet, distributing and viewing of data online has now become a central part of a diverse range of projects. As well, GIS has been used at local, regional, national and international levels with internet based GIS being accessed by millions of people instead of just a small group of people. For instance, MapQuest is a popular internet GIS system used by millions of people who require maps and driving directions. Google maps is another popular GIS system.

The integration of GIS with the Internet is still a developing trend and the future is very promising. In the near future, as our understanding of GIS technology grows, people will be able to use a GIS system anywhere, whether at home, the office, another region. As well, future internet GIS systems will include automated GIS processing that will help make GIS a part of our daily lives.

Author Bio: A postal code map and address verification software can be tailored to the demands of large organizations. It combines modern technology with geographic coordinates spatial data systems to deliver solutions to business obstacles.

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: technology, business, computers, data management, information technology, maps, devices, software