The Future of GIS
The Future & Applications of GIS
…if I really knew, would I still be here?
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Changing Emphases:
From Data to Analysis
75%Data Conversion:
10-15%Attribute Tagging
Spatial 5% Analysis
Data Conversion
Spatial Analysis
Attribute Tagging
Past Present/Future3
Changing EmphasesFrom Description to Simulation & Modeling
Past
Picture worth athousand words:
maps & diagrams ofhow is, or how was
Web portals serve static data sets
Future
Visual simulation &virtual reality:
real time display of how is, and how might be-forest fire-freeway traffic flow
Web portals serve continuous sensor-derived data
Iconic models: scaled down representations of the real thing
Symbolic models: based on logical relationships in mathematical or statistical form4
Changing Emphasesfrom 2-D description to 4-D interactionPast• 2-D flat map displays
– User as observerFuture• Effective 3-D visualization
– Via the merger of CAD and GIS?– What is the data model?
• 4-D incorporation of time: “The time has come for time.”– Via agent-based modeling / cellular automata? Or how?
• Cells (e.g. land parcels or people) interacting over time according to established rules
• 5, 6 and 7-D incorporation of touch (pressure, texture, temperature), sound and smell into modeling/simulation environment
• User as participant – researchers, professionals, the public interact with the model– the public as the planner (participatory GIS)
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Changing Emphases:Out of this world
Past– GIS applied to Planet Earth
Future– GIS as a methodology for the analysis of spheres
• Other planets—Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus
• The human brain– One earth but many brains– & vis-a-versa: does the brain use “maps” for
organization?
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Geographic information technology in 2015 Countering industry trends, LBS GPS mature, GLONASS, Galileo, GPS II,
indoor? Geobrowser era, and VGI Mobile GIS Cellular phones and location technology New generation of space imaging Interoperability and standards The data fire hose 16
Forecast: Cyberinfrastructure vision
•Services available on demand•Independence of source•“The computer is the network”
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Geospatial elements of the GRID: 1. GPS
Source: U. Minnesota IVS Lab
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Geospatial elements of the GRID: 1. Portability
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Geospatial elements of the GRID: Sensor webs
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Forecast: Wearable GIS
We will wear our computers, not sit in front of them
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Wearable GIS
http://www.itmedia.co.jp/broadband/0309/18 22
Wearable GIS
http://www.itmedia.co.jp/broadband/0309/18 23
UCSB Battuta project
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Forecast : No more data problems
Digital earth will exist It will be achieved by VGI, not
top-downThere will be many and specialized
geobrowsersOpen standards rule
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Digital Earth
Visionary concept: Holistic perspective Popularized by former US VP Al Gore Virtual and 3-D representation of the Earth Spatially referenced Connected with digital knowledge archives Vast amounts of scientific, natural, and cultural
information “to describe and understand the Earth, its systems,
and human activities. “
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Computing issues in 2025
Network monitors itself, who sees? Spyware and security vs Personal privacy Who pays for services? Who are the digit police? Competing solutions and liability The limits of accuracy Tractability envelope: New methods Simulation is everywhere, for everything
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Conclusion Our only model for the future is the past think back as many years as you are looking
forward change has been both revolutionary.. and glacial
don’t forget that the pace of change is accelerating probably just gearing-up for the information age,
not reaching its climax but remember,we have to get there from here
can you envision a path? if we knew the future, we wouldn’t be here!
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Thank You
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