By Shahabuddin Amerudin
The article, “GIS Software’s Changing Roles” was written by Berry (1998), and it describes the evolution of GIS software from its inception to the 1990s. This article will evaluate the article and compare the state of GIS software in 2000, 2010, and 2020.
In the late 1980s, GIS software was primarily used by academics, and the software was not yet practical for everyday use. GIS software was expensive and required specialized equipment, which limited its accessibility to a select group of professionals. However, in the 1990s, Windows-based mapping packages were introduced, making GIS more accessible to a broader audience. The democratization of GIS software in the 1990s marked a significant milestone in the development of GIS technology.
In 2000, GIS software had matured, and the software was capable of handling large datasets with ease. The 2000s marked a new era for GIS software development. Companies such as ESRI, Autodesk, and MapInfo became industry leaders in GIS software development. These companies developed a wide range of GIS software products for different applications, including environmental modeling, urban planning, and public safety.
During the 2000s, ESRI’s ArcGIS software emerged as the industry standard for GIS software. ArcGIS provided users with a comprehensive suite of tools for analyzing and managing spatial data. The software was user-friendly and enabled users to create custom applications using ArcGIS’s extensive API library. The introduction of ArcGIS Server in 2003 enabled GIS applications to be deployed on the web, making it possible for users to access GIS data from anywhere in the world.
In the 2010s, GIS software development continued to evolve, with a growing emphasis on open-source GIS software. Open-source GIS software, such as QGIS, provided users with a free alternative to commercial GIS software. Open-source GIS software became increasingly popular, particularly in developing countries, where the cost of commercial GIS software was a significant barrier to entry. The 2010s also saw the emergence of cloud-based GIS software, such as ArcGIS Online, which enabled users to access GIS data and tools from anywhere with an internet connection.
In 2020, GIS software development has continued to evolve, with a growing emphasis on machine learning and artificial intelligence. The integration of machine learning and AI has enabled GIS software to analyze spatial data more efficiently and accurately. For example, GIS software can now analyze satellite imagery to detect changes in land use patterns, identify crop health, and assess the risk of natural disasters. The integration of machine learning and AI has also made it possible to automate GIS tasks, reducing the time and cost of data analysis.
GIS software has come a long way since its inception in the 1970s. Today, GIS software is used in a wide range of applications, including environmental modeling, urban planning, public safety, and agriculture. GIS software has become more accessible and user-friendly, enabling users to create custom applications without requiring specialized expertise. The integration of machine learning and AI has further enhanced the capabilities of GIS software, making it possible to analyze spatial data more efficiently and accurately.
In conclusion, the article “GIS Software’s Changing Roles” provides an excellent overview of the evolution of GIS software from its inception to the 1990s. GIS software development has continued to evolve since the 1990s, with a growing emphasis on accessibility, user-friendliness, and integration with other software applications. The integration of machine learning and AI has further enhanced the capabilities of GIS software, enabling users to analyze spatial data more efficiently and accurately.
Reference:
Berry, J.K. (1998). GIS Software’s Changing Roles. GeoWorld. [Online] Available at: http://www.innovativegis.com/basis/mapanalysis/MA_Intro/MA_Intro.htm (Accessed: 27 March 2023).
Suggestion for Citation: Amerudin, S. (2023). The Evolution of GIS Software Development and its Changing Roles. [Online] Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6144 (Accessed: 27 March 2023).