GIS (geographic information system) technology has existed for several decades now. GIS refers to a system that makes use of computer software to gather, organize, and analyze data as it pertains to a geographical location. This data is displayed in map form, thus allowing users to see the correlation between the data and its place of origin. GIS mapping makes use of information from land surveys, aerial photos, official statistics and many other sources.

By displaying several layers of information in map form, GIS can tell us new things about a particular place and its population, infrastructure, land formations, etc. The data that one inputs into a GIS may include such things as rivers, mountains, lakes, roads, highways, train stations, gas stations or restaurant. The kind of data that’s used depends on what kind of analysis you are trying to come up with. For example, if you’d like to find out what types of crimes are more prevalent in different parts of a city, you might try inserting recent crime statistics to get a visual map of the information. GIS mapping helps you see patterns and draw connections between data sets and their locations.  

The reason GIS mapping works is because most data has a geographical point of reference. Whether it is a zip code, city, country or address, a set of data will usually be linked to geographical location. GIS maps can be changed and modified at any moment by removing or adding layers of data. They are dynamic, and capable of visualizing changing data in real time.

In the past, GIS mapping has been mostly used by large companies and government institutions. This all changed with the advent of the portable computer and the rapid evolution of portable consumer electronics, such as the iPod, ever-improving cellphones, PDAs and portable GPS devices. By interfacing with GPS-enabled consumer electronics, GIS mapping is letting people pinpoint their location in real time and their relation to near-by points of interest. In just a few easy steps, people can calculate routes to the nearest restaurant or gas station. The possible uses of GIS in the field of location based services (LBS) for consumer electronics is continually growing as hand-held technology develops evermore rapidly.

As the mobile technology products arise, GIS mapping becomes integrated more and more in consumer electronics. Check out these digital terrain maps when looking for a mobile phone or laptop on your next purchase.

Ryan Frank is a 23 year writer and blogger living in San Diego, CA

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