Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping the way we understand and interact with the world around us. From its humble beginnings in the 1960s to its modern-day applications, GIS has undergone a remarkable transformation. This article will delve into the fascinating history of GIS, highlighting its evolution, key milestones, and the individuals who played pivotal roles in its development.
The Birth of GIS
The field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) began in the 1960s, as computers and early concepts of quantitative and computational geography emerged. The first computerized GIS in the world was developed in 1963 by Roger Tomlinson, a Canadian geographer.
This system, known as the Canada Geographic Information System (CGIS), was commissioned by the Canadian government to create a manageable inventory of its natural resources. Tomlinson’s pioneering work laid the foundation for the future of GIS.
Early Developments and Innovations: 1960s and 1970s
In the mid-1960s, Howard Fisher, while at Northwestern University, created one of the first computer mapping software programs known as SYMAP. He later established the Harvard Laboratory for Computer Graphics, which became a research center for spatial analysis and visualization. Many of the early concepts for GIS and its applications were conceived at this lab.
In 1969, Jack Dangermond, a member of the Harvard Lab, and his wife Laura founded the Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (Esri). Esri applied computer mapping and spatial analysis to help land use planners and land resource managers make informed decisions. The company’s early work demonstrated the value of GIS for problem-solving and laid the groundwork for many of the GIS mapping and spatial analysis methods now in use.
This decade witnessed the creation of significant systems like SYMAP, CALFORM, and GRID.
Commercialization of GIS: 1980s and 1990s
As computing became more powerful, ESRI improved its software tools. In 1981, Esri developed ARC/INFO—the first commercial GIS product. This technology marked the evolution of Esri into a software company, and it gained recognition from the academic community as a new way of doing spatial analysis and planning.
GIS in the Digital Age: 2000s
With the advent of the internet in the 1990s, GIS technologies became more accessible. The debut of online mapping platforms like Google Maps brought awareness of the role easily accessible maps played in everyday life. In 1993, Xerox PARC introduced the first web-based mapping service, the Xerox PARC Map Viewer, marking a significant milestone in the history of GIS.
During the same period, Esri released ArcView, a desktop solution for producing mapping systems via a Windows-based interface. This software was widely adopted by many government, business, defense, and non-governmental organizations due to its user-friendly interface and ease of use.
As we stepped into the 21st century, GIS morphed into a far-reaching technology, traversing the boundaries of academics and research. Advanced tools like Google Earth and Google Maps reshaped our interaction with geospatial data, making spatial understanding a part of our routine life. The integration of GIS with mobile technology was another breakthrough, enabling real-time tracking and navigation.
Key Contributors To The Evolution of GIS
As with any field, the development and advancement of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) were driven by visionaries who saw the potential of this technology long before it became mainstream. Here, we pay homage to three key contributors whose work had a profound impact on the evolution of GIS.
#1. Roger Tomlinson
Roger Tomlinson, also known as the “Father of GIS,” was a British geographer who pioneered the concept of a geographic information system for storing, retrieving, and analyzing geographically referenced information. His work on the Canada Geographic Information System in the 1960s was the first of its kind and laid the groundwork for subsequent GIS development.
Tomlinson’s passion for geography and computer science led to his innovative vision of a system that could manage large quantities of geographic data – a vision that has since transformed countless industries.
#2. Jack Dangermond
Jack Dangermond is another pivotal figure in the GIS world. As the founder of Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) in 1969, Dangermond had a significant impact on the accessibility and commercialization of GIS. His work with ESRI led to the creation of the ArcInfo system in the 1980s, one of the first geographic information systems available on a microcomputer.
Today, ESRI’s software is used by millions around the globe, demonstrating the lasting influence of Dangermond’s contributions to GIS technology.
#3. Michael Goodchild
Michael Goodchild, a British-American geographer and academic, has made significant contributions to the theoretical understanding of GIS. His research has helped establish the field of geographic information science (GIScience), which explores the underlying concepts and principles of GIS.
Goodchild’s work has played an essential role in advancing the practical applications of GIS, and his research on spatial analysis and spatial statistics is highly influential. Through his many publications and teaching, Goodchild continues to shape the field of GIS and its associated disciplines.
These three individuals, through their pioneering work and passion for geography and technology, have profoundly shaped the landscape of GIS as we know it today. Their contributions serve as a foundation upon which new ideas and innovations continue to build, propelling GIS technology into the future.
The Future of GIS
Today, GIS has evolved into a powerful platform for understanding and planning our world. It provides a means for data sharing and collaboration, inspiring a vision of a continuous, overlapping, and interoperable GIS database of the world. With its movement to web and cloud computing, and integration with real-time information via the Internet of Things, GIS has become a platform relevant to almost every human endeavor.
Looking towards the future, it’s clear that GIS will continue to evolve, incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Imagine real-time traffic analysis or predictive models for climate change – the possibilities are endless.
As our world faces challenges from expanding population, loss of nature, and pollution, GIS will play an increasingly important role in how we understand and address these issues. It will provide a means for communicating solutions using the common language of mapping.
Conclusion
The history of GIS is a testament to human ingenuity and the power of technology to transform our understanding of the world. As we look to the future, GIS will undoubtedly continue to evolve, offering new ways to analyze, visualize, and understand the complex spatial relationships that define our planet.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To History of GIS
Who is considered the “Father of GIS”?
Roger Tomlinson is often referred to as the “Father of GIS” due to his pioneering work in developing the first GIS in the world.
How has GIS evolved over the years?
GIS has evolved from basic systems used for land-use management in the 1960s to sophisticated digital mapping and analysis tools in the present day, thanks to advancements in technology and computing.
What are some applications of GIS?
GIS is widely used in many fields including urban planning, environmental management, and disaster management.
What are some emerging technologies in GIS?
Emerging technologies in GIS include artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things.
What are the challenges facing the future of GIS?
Some challenges include data privacy concerns, the digital divide, and the need for improved data visualization tools. However, these challenges also present opportunities for further growth and innovation in the field of GIS.