Mapping & GIS

Applications
Title	Mapping & GIS
Author(s)	GMV.
Level	Medium
Year of Publication	2011

Mapping and GIS applications allow to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographically referenced data. GIS technology combines database, mapping and statistical methods to integrate georeferenced data into visual displays where the relationships, patterns and trends in the data can be more easily identified.

Although Mapping and GIS applications do not rely on GNSS as sole means for data capture, the widespread of the GNSS technologies has allowed for low-cost data acquisition processes that made GIS technologies to be more generally used.

Application Architecture

In mapping and GIS, GNSS is used essentially for data capture. Traditionally data capture is one of more time consuming processes in GIS applications. GNSS has allowed for low-cost automatic processes for the capture of georeferenced data.

Over the past decades GIS became a multi-billion Euro industry. In parallel, the advent of satellite navigation provided a valuable tool for surveyors, hydrographers, geodesists, geophysicists and other environmental scientists in general. GIS systems are nowadays largely used not only in the science domain, but also in commercial and public service activities.

Managers of both fixed and mobile assets and business analysts throughout the world routinely use geographical information systems. Fixed physical assets such as street furniture, power and telecom infrastructure are just some of the assets whose efficient management is facilitated by modern PC-based GIS. Digital map displays are routinely used in fleet management systems for vehicles of all types, relying heavily on GIS technology. Digital maps are fundamental components for in-car navigation systems.

The combination of geographical information systems with satellite navigation is at the root of most of the new applications already on the market.

The use of GNSS for data capture of georeferenced data is normally done using two main approaches:

• Surveys - One of the main ways GNSS is used for the data capture of GIS information is through surveys. Surveys are normally done with high-accuracy receivers and are usually a labor intensive activities.
• Operational Georeferenced Data - The pervasive use of low-cost GNSS receivers has allowed that operational data coming from logistics systems or other business support systems is automatically georeferenced. These systems are able to generate large amounts of georeferenced data by a marginal cost. The accuracy of this data can range from meter to tens of meter level accuracies.

Application Characterization

GIS can be used in all markets across the economy. Some of the things that GIS can do are:

• Map Locations - Mapping the location of things helps people to find features or patterns.
• Map Quantities - Quantities can be mapped with color codes in order to understand how they vary across the territory.
• Map Densities - Mapping densities is similar to mapping quantities but taking in account territory area.
• Map Specific Areas - Mapping what is happening in a specific area.
• Map Change - Mapping change can help to anticipate and understand future change and needs.

Utility Infrastructure Mapping

Electronic mapping systems of utility infrastructure (electrical, water, telecommunications, gas, etc) can reduce outage time by about 20% and lead to more efficient operation of the utility facilities. The precise locations of utility poles or pipes, distribution boxes and even customers can be mapped using GNSS receivers. During outages or other failures, the critical infrastructure can be identified immediately. With larger outages, maintenance crews can be dispatched to locations that will help the most customers.

Application Examples

Over the past decades the Mapping & GIS industry has witnessed continued growth. The major players in the commercial market are:

• ESRI - Considered market leader. Products include ArcView and ArcGIS.
• Intergraph - Main product family is GeoMedia
• GE Energy Smallworld - Sells Smallworld Geospatial Solutions

• Autodesk – Products include Map 3D, Topobase, MapGuide and other products that interface with its flagship AutoCAD software package.
• Bentley Systems – Products include Bentley Map, Bentley Map View and other products that interface with its flagship MicroStation software package.
• ERDAS IMAGINE by ERDAS Inc; products include Leica Photogrammetry Suite, ERDAS ER Mapper, and ERDAS ECW JPEG2000 SDK (ECW (file format))are used throughout the entire mapping community (GIS, Remote Sensing, Photogrammetry, and image compression).
• Esri – Products include ArcView 3.x, ArcGIS, ArcSDE, ArcIMS, ArcWeb services and ArcGIS Server.
• Intergraph – Products include G/Technology, GeoMedia, GeoMedia Professional, GeoMedia WebMap, and add-on products for industry sectors, as well as photogrammetry.
• MapInfo by Pitney Bowes – Products include MapInfo Professional and MapXtreme.
• Smallworld – developed in Cambridge, England (Smallworld, Inc.) and purchased by General Electric and used primarily by public utilities.