4.1.2 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Applications And Trends

Abstract This paper presents an overview of GIS technology, its impact on various industries, current GIS technology trends, GIS standards, and systems engineering roles and challenges in the field of GIS. It introduces an overview of GIS technology i.e. what is GIS, how does GIS work, and what distinguishes GIS from other information systems. GIS is very much a multi‐disciplinary technology and can accommodate several application areas by integrating data from a variety of sources in a detailed and efficient manner. The paper discusses the impact of GIS application upon various disciplines e.g. business, engineering, political boundaries management, transportation, environmental management, natural resources, health care, and education. The development and application of geographic information systems is vibrant and exciting. The paper further reviews the existing and latest trends in GIS technology including new data sources, hardware and software developments. GIS is a rapidly growing field and requires an inherent need to have a set of common standards and rules to successfully complete GIS projects within time and budget. The paper also provides an overview of existing and future GIS standards and discusses the roles of various organizations involved in the development of GIS standards. Many areas in GIS are systems related and systems engineering can play a major role in helping GIS industry to be more productive and efficient to meet its customer needs. GIS technology, however, is relatively new and almost no formal systems engineering processes and practices are being applied. The paper addresses the major challenges faced by Systems Engineering in the development and management of GIS based systems.