By Shahabuddin Amerudin
The development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) dates back to the 19th century, when the use of geographic information to address complex issues began. In 1832, French geographer Charles Picquet produced an early version of a GIS by creating a map-based representation of cholera spread in Paris using color gradients. This marked the earliest application of spatial analysis in epidemiology.
In 1854, English physician John Snow expanded this concept by mapping a cholera outbreak in London and linking it to contaminated water. This illustrated the problem-solving potential of maps in epidemiology. The groundwork laid during this time led to the emergence of modern GIS.
During the 20th century, several key players like the Harvard Laboratory for Computer Graphics, Canada Geographic Information System, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), and UK’s Experimental Cartography Unit shaped the field. However, it wasn’t until satellite imaging technology emerged that GIS gained commercial traction, with ESRI seizing the opportunity.
In the early 20th century, a printing technique called photozincography allowed maps to separate layers for vegetation, water, and developed land, resembling GIS. Yet, it lacked analytical capabilities.
The first significant computer-geography fusion was in 1959, when Waldo Tobler introduced MIMO (Map In–Map Out), a system to apply computers to cartography. Over time, GIS evolved from a concept to a science, with Roger Tomlinson’s work on the Canadian Geographic Information System (CGIS) and the emergence of raster and vector data analysis methods as milestones.
The 1960s saw GIS shaped by key individuals, adapting cartography and geography to the emerging computer technology. In the mid-1960s, SYMAP and GRID established foundations for raster and vector data analysis, respectively. Society’s environmental concerns further fueled GIS development.
The late 1970s and early 1980s marked the adoption of GIS by national agencies and academic institutions. ESRI became a dominant player, and commercial GIS software vendors emerged. Open-source GIS like GRASS began moving GIS from research to business environments.
Since the late 1980s, usability improvement and mainstream adoption have been key focuses. The 1990s to 2010s brought significant technological advancements, expanding GIS’s capabilities. Open-source GIS software like Quantum GIS (QGIS) gained prominence, and GIS became vital in tandem with the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and predictive analytics.
Today, GIS applications encompass crime mapping, public health strategies, and more. As it integrates with web, cloud computing, real-time data, and IoT, GIS addresses challenges such as population growth, resource depletion, and pollution. The history of GIS showcases the efforts of researchers, programmers, and analysts who paved the way for versatile tools benefiting various organizations.
Suggestion for Citation: Amerudin, S. (2023). History of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Development: An Overview. [Online] Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6599 (Accessed: 14 August 2023).
