GIS Dissolves into the Matrix

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system designed to create, manage, analyze, and display geographically referenced data. This technology allows users to utilize desktop, mobile, and app platforms to generate geospatial datasets, outputs, and solutions. The central question of this discussion is:

Will GIS continue to evolve as an independent entity, or will it dissolve into the broader ecosystems of databases, technology, and applications?

The following scenarios are distinct yet not necessarily exclusive.

Scenario - The market leader is a set of privately owned companies doing business as ESRI. Upon the current owners' retirement, family members take over the company and sell the companies/assets.

Scenario - Microsoft, after years of partnering with ESRI, integrates geospatial tools into its suite of solutions, from Azure to Office. It acquires ESRI's user base and core technology, migrating users over time.

Scenario - Amazon commercializes the geospatial tools initially developed for internal use, offering geospatial and mapping capabilities as a service.

Scenario - Salesforce enhances its platform by incorporating geospatial capabilities, seizing the Location Intelligence market.

Scenario - Uber develops an AI and Web3-based geospatial solution that supports autonomous vehicles, supply chain management, and 3D visualization.

Scenario - Defense contractors, such as Raytheon or Palantir, acquire ESRI's professional services division and assume control of NGA projects, leading to the integration of EO and GIS technologies.

Scenario - Silicon Valley investors recognize geospatial as the missing component of climate change mitigation, sustainability, supply chain management, infrastructure management, and urban revitalization and begin to fund innovative companies.

Scenario - Geospatial data becomes a column in a database housed in data lakes. Geospatial data entry and updates are outsourced to cheap labor farms replacing the need for GIS Professionals. GIS Analysts are replaced by data scientists crunching data. AI is used to generate maps if needed.

To explore the possibilities, we must first comprehend GIS' position within the technology sector.

Where Does GIS Fit?

The foundation of this discussion revolves around reaching a consensus on how to categorize GIS. Here are some perspectives to consider:

• Industry: Defined as a group of manufacturers or businesses that produce specific goods or services, relatively few companies specialize in GIS. ESRI leads this niche technology, which is not widely recognized as an industry outside the GIS community.

• Toolset: A collection of utility programs or subroutines. As GIS evolves, many of its functionalities are now available as tools for building applications, with numerous options including open-source options.
• Discipline: A field of knowledge taught and researched at the college or university level. GIS has revitalized various research areas and continues to be integrated into academic institutions.
• Platform: A major software component like an operating system or database that supports smaller application programs. While GIS is promoted as a platform, it often appears to be just a layer atop the actual platforms it relies on.

GIS can be viewed through multiple lenses: as a niche industry, an evolving toolset, a dynamic academic discipline, or a foundational platform.

Is GIS Limiting the Potential of Geospatial?

Expanding access to GIS capabilities, along with the data, analysis, insights, outputs, and knowledge it generates, poses a significant challenge. Addressing our world's pressing issues requires innovative technologies and fresh ideas. With the rapid evolution of technology, can geospatial technology help drive innovation? Let's explore a few key examples:

• Database/Datatype: Geospatial data is information stored in a database equipped with tools that allow users to manage, analyze, edit, visualize, and integrate it. The formats of these data often vary, and proprietary formats can restrict access, confining geospatial data within specialized systems.
• Education: Proper and efficient use of geospatial data and tools necessitates comprehensive instruction—from theoretical understanding to practical application. Unfortunately, isolating GIS into a specific category or discipline can cause students to focus too narrowly on the tools themselves, neglecting the broader scientific and application-oriented teachings.
• Applications: Numerous applications can benefit from incorporating geospatial data, analytics, and visualizations such as maps and charts. However, confining these technologies within expensive and proprietary solutions limits their potential for widespread benefits.
• Maps: Although GIS is not inherently map-centric, it is often perceived as a mapping tool. By expanding the scope of maps beyond GIS, new opportunities and frontiers for map use can emerge.

Advancing the accessibility and application of geospatial technology requires overcoming existing barriers and embracing a broader vision that includes education, diverse applications, and innovative uses of maps.

Let's start the conversation

Many of us have enjoyed successful careers in GIS. It modernized Geography as well as many other geocentric disciplines. As with everything, GIS will change. How it changes will be part of our community's legacy. Let's open up an open and honest conversation so we can create the future that is best for the industry and our planet.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it."

Mark your calendars for an enlightening Geospatial Innovation’s live panel discussion on June 20th. Our experts will explore potential scenarios and offer insights on effective preparation strategies.

Share your predictions in the comments as we peer into the future!