5 Cool Things Happening in GIS Right Now 🌐
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful tool that can be used to visualise, analyse, and manage data about the Earth's surface. GIS has been used for a variety of applications, including mapping, environmental monitoring, and urban planning. In recent years, GIS has become even more powerful and versatile due to the development of new technologies and methods.
1. The Rise of WebGIS
Web GIS is a type of GIS that is accessed and used through a web browser. This makes it possible to share GIS data and maps with anyone who has an internet connection. Web GIS is also making it possible to develop new types of applications, such as interactive maps and real-time data visualizations.
The development of WebGIS has revolutionised the way GIS is used. It has made GIS more accessible to a wider audience and has enabled new ways of sharing and collaborating on GIS data. WebGIS is also being used to develop new applications that are not possible with traditional GIS software. For example, WebGIS can be used to create interactive maps that can be updated in real time. This can be used to track events such as traffic flow, weather patterns, and environmental changes. WebGIS can also be used to create maps that are specific to a particular user's needs. This can be done by using data filters and other customisation options.
Technical skills required:
Web development: You will need to be proficient in web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You should also have experience with JavaScript frameworks such as ReactJS, AngularJS, or VueJS.
GIS programming: You will need to know how to program in a GIS programming language, such as Python, QGIS or ArcGIS API for JavaScript. You should also have experience working with GIS data formats, such as GeoJSON, Shapefile, and GeoTIFF.
Database knowledge: You will need to have a basic understanding of databases, such as PostgreSQL or MySQL, to store and manage GIS data.
Cloud computing: You will need to be familiar with cloud computing platforms, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure, to host and scale your Web GIS application.
2. The Use of Machine Learning in GIS
Machine learning is having a profound impact on GIS by being used to develop new ways of analysing and interpreting data. This is leading to new insights and applications, such as land cover classification, crop yield prediction, pattern identification, and automated tasks. These applications can help farmers make informed decisions, identify areas of interest, and free up GIS professionals to focus on more complex tasks.
Technical Skills Required:
Machine learning programming: Familiarity with machine learning libraries such as scikit-learn or TensorFlow, and data science tools like pandas and numpy.
GIS programming: Experience with GIS programming languages like Python, QGIS, or ArcGIS API for JavaScript, and expertise in working with GIS data formats like GeoJSON, Shapefile, and GeoTIFF.
Data science: Basic understanding of data science concepts (data cleaning, feature extraction, and model evaluation).
GIS: Basic understanding of GIS concepts (data types, map projections, and spatial analysis).
3. The Development of Real-time GIS
Real-time GIS is a type of GIS that is able to collect and analyze data in real time. It is used to track events such as traffic flow, weather patterns, and environmental changes. It is also used to develop new applications such as emergency response systems and smart cities. Real-time GIS makes GIS more responsive to changes in the real world. This can be used to improve the efficiency of emergency response operations and to make better decisions about how to manage resources.
Technical Skills Required:
Real-time data collection: Expertise in collecting and managing real-time data from various sources, such as sensors, satellites, and social media.
Real-time data analysis: Ability to analyze real-time data to identify patterns and trends.
Real-time data visualization: Ability to visualize real-time data in a way that is easy to understand and interpret.
4. The Growth of Open Source GIS
Open-source GIS is a type of GIS that is freely available for anyone to use and modify. This is making it possible for more people to use GIS and for new ideas to be developed. Open-source GIS is also helping to democratise GIS and make it more accessible to people who do not have the resources to purchase commercial GIS software.
Technical Skills Required:
Familiarity with open-source GIS software, such as QGIS or OpenStreetMap.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R to develop complex GIS applications.
Ability to work with geospatial data formats, such as GeoJSON, Shapefile, and GeoTIFF.
Understanding of GIS concepts, such as map projections, spatial analysis, and data visualisation.
5. The Fusion of GIS with Emerging Technologies: Empowering Spatial Analytics
GIS has evolved from a mere mapping tool to a powerful platform that integrates with emerging technologies to enhance spatial analysis and decision-making. This convergence is unlocking new possibilities for a wide range of applications, from environmental monitoring to urban planning.
Technical Skills Required:
Expertise in utilising drones: The ability to collect and process aerial imagery and data using drones is crucial for obtaining detailed insights into urban landscapes, disaster zones, and environmental features.
Integration with satellite data: Knowledge of satellite data acquisition and analysis is essential for understanding large-scale spatial patterns, climate change, and global trends.
Wearable device integration: Familiarity with wearable technology data integration enables the analysis of human movement patterns, health data, and social interactions for urban planning, public health, and community engagement purposes.
Application development with programming languages: Proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, or Java allows for the development of customised GIS applications that leverage the power of these emerging technologies.
Data management and fusion: The ability to manage and fuse data from multiple sources, including GIS, drones, satellites, and wearable devices, is critical for creating comprehensive and insightful analyses
The fusion of GIS with emerging technologies is transforming spatial analysis and enabling researchers, policymakers, and individuals to make informed decisions based on a deeper understanding of spatial relationships and trends. This convergence is opening up new possibilities for environmental monitoring, urban planning, and decision-making across various domains.
Conclusion: The Future of GIS: Unveiling a World of Possibilities
GIS has undergone a remarkable transformation from its humble beginnings as a mapping tool to an indispensable platform for spatial analysis and decision-making. The five trends we have discussed – the rise of WebGIS, the growing use of machine learning in GIS, the development of real-time GIS, the expansion of open-source GIS, and the convergence of GIS with emerging technologies – are driving this evolution and paving the way for an even more transformative future.
As GIS embraces the power of augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, the possibilities for its impact are boundless. We can envision a world where GIS seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, providing real-time insights into the environment, traffic patterns, and even our own health and well-being. The convergence of GIS with these emerging technologies will revolutionise spatial analysis and decision-making, empowering individuals, organisations, and governments to make informed choices that address complex challenges such as climate change, urban planning, and resource management.
As we step into this exciting new era of GIS, we are presented with a multitude of opportunities to harness its power to improve our lives and the world around us. What transformative applications of GIS will emerge in the years to come? How will GIS improve the philosophy of sustainable cities, conserve natural resources, or even predict the course of human health?
The future of GIS is limitless, waiting to be shaped by the imagination and innovation of its users. As we embrace these new technologies and explore uncharted territories, we will unlock the full potential of GIS to make a positive impact on the world. The journey ahead is an exciting one, full of promise and intrigue, as we embark on a quest to unveil the true power of GIS in shaping our future.