Prospects of GIS: The smart ways

GIS has now slotted in the distributed systems and databases and microcomputers have conceived new fields of GIS. Moreover, GIS use have been amply influenced by the mobility of portable GIS systems. The next generation GIS is adopting virtual reality, 3D and 4D visualization as a product utilizing high resolution images. Thus, it seems Remote sensing images will be the major feeder providing big data for GIS in a wide network of devices providing real time data. The good news is the cost of imageries are shrinking with increased accessibility. Hence, it will not be exaggerated to assert that the following advancement in technologies will devise new stories of GIS few years from now.

• Virtual reality and INdoor GIS:- Virtual Reality GIS has been expanding its applications in the area of spatial analysis, touch-less interaction to manipulate a 3D scenario, reading complex scientific data in a given spatial regions etc. beyond the traditional way of merely focus on application of urban data.

• 3D and 4D visualization: - 3D visualization employs integration, management and analysis of both spatial and attribute data processing platform in three mutually perpendicular axes. 4D visualization also does the same including schedule information as well thus making 4D visualization a overriding tool for visualization and animation of data.

• Image processing: Typically, imageries are taken by satellites or UAVs on quest of discoveries on earth, however, now focus is for out of the earth as well for example in search of water on Mars.

• Big data processing:- As the workstation and hardware experienced tremendous upgrading in the technology, now every PCs accept big data processing as a part of data science viz:- for programming and statistics. Microcomputers have done enough to advertise GIS education and expand the domain of GIS.

• Web mapping:- Focus is shifting towards real time simulation and analyzed products in the web beyond mere data delivery.

• GIS movies/ time sequences:- Spatial analysis are now inevitably linked to time dimension thus creating story maps of events of different time.Spatial patterns are changed as time progresses in a sequence of events. Traditional pan and zoom functions are now overridden by well equipped fly-by ability for users to navigate in simulating space.

• Augmented reality:- The world-wide crave for newly introduced computer game Pokemon Go has risen the question is the technology of superimposing the user's view of real world by PC generated image the next generation of technology advancement? If that is the case then Augmented Reality is certainly going to rock the GIS world.

• Mobile GIS:- Mobile GIS integrates mobile devices with GIS, GPS and Internet allowing data to get edited and changed on the field and thus increasing accuracy, saving time and decreasing cost. On field data can directly be uploaded on various online tools like google earth, open street maps, GPS Visualizer etc. and hence Mobile GIS has taken GIS to a new level.

In short, the latent prospective of these technologies to upsurge the influence of GIS is one of the stirring features about the future of GIS. However, the locus of technological advancement is set to enhance following applications of GIS

• e-commerce : The integrated GPS/GIS system is used for navigation purpose where GPS system provides spatial data required. GIS can be used to manage spatial information to devise an ultimate way out and effective transportation route of goods which is cost effective. Henceforth, overall market analysis of e-commerce activities can be made via GIS.

• Disaster management and climate change modeling : Database management functionality of GIS is an important tool in strategic decision making for disaster management and climate change modeling and can be used to predict risk and vulnerabilities associated with these. Web GIS system coupled with GPS can be used for real time monitoring of disasters and climate change and thus helpful for planning of rescue and relief operations with sustainable recovery and rehabilitation approaches.

• Space exploration: NASA uses GIS to prepare interactive and dynamic maps of planets with zoom in features on landmarks and tracking the path of rovers on planet’s surface from the current and previous images taken by satellites. GIS is important tool to make dynamic maps of universe based on the astronomical projections and satellite imageries.

• IVNS (in-vehicle navigation system): The development of Mobile GIS technology can be used to devise and execute the feasible methods for vehicle orientation, control and monitoring system in order to gain high precision, fast and accurate GPS vehicle monitoring system or intelligent transportation system. GIS and GPS can be integrated on vehicles monitoring and tracking system from the visual display of information on spatial data using GIS obtained from accurate, clear and precise geographical positioning of tracked vehicle.

• Geomedicine: Geomedicine is the integration of GIS software with clinical database which is useful in revealing hidden disease patterns linking patients health and contextual factors like workplace, habitat, feeding habits etc. to improve public health. Geomedicine associates geographic history of a place to calculate health risks via maps that shows the risks of diseases at the place.

• Indoor GIS: Indoor GIS is useful tool for navigation in large covered areas such as railway stations and airports to find a service, determine a route between stations/airports, trace railways/airplanes route and to notify movement of railways/airplanes (Source: Candy J.). Indoor GIS relies on receiving GPS satellite signals via indoor systems such as Wi-Fi re-transmitters.

• GIS enabled intelligent infrastructure: Gov2020 by Deloitte University Press (which explores the future of US Government in 2020) claims that GIS usage in infrastructure is safer and more energy efficient in transportation and energy sector.

• Urban planning and Smart cities: Smart cities can be seen as the developed urban areas enabling integrated automation and real time having sustainable economic development and high quality of life. GIS provides a centralized framework for integrating the various aspects of smart city processes with concerned individuals, agencies and authorities. On the steps of smart process suggested by ESRI, the role of GIS in finding right sites, boundaries and valuation of sites is crucial. The share of GIS in further steps of planning, designing and constructing is significant during which GIS is required to determine optimal solutions and management of project and finance. Thus, GIS provides a single point entry for the entire project document and files from the inception, planning and development to maintenance.

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