Historical analysis of GIS

This paper presents an historical analysis of the GIS industry, focusing on examples from the past twenty years, and includes an introduction on the origins of GIS. Specific topics discussed are an analysis of raster and vector processing capabilities, the integration of data base management systems (DBMS) into a GIS, digital orthophoto mapping, and raster/vector integration. The future of GIS will present a need for better user education as the capabilities of the industry grow, as data sources multiply, and as an increased number of platforms become available. The industry will face other challenges, such as the need for data compression, parallel processing, and a greater need for softcopy photogrammetry. There is definitely more acceptance by the user community of the use of raster processing than in years past, and the appreciation of the value of this technology has broadened as well. GIS is now an essential tool in resource management, forestry, global monitoring, transportation planning, mineral exploration, state and local government, and in a host of other areas

LANDSAT Applications in Georgia: A Successful Example of Technology Transfer between NASA and State Government

Over the past several years the State of Georgia has been using Landsat data to assist state and federal program managers in their decision-making efforts. The Georgia effort has been staffed by the Environmental Protection Division, Department of Natural Resources which has served to coordinate efforts between the Corps of Engineers, Soil Conservation Service, Georgia Forestry Commission, Department of Community Affairs, Game and Fish Division, and several local governments. This paper will deal with the technical and administrative steps which have led to an operational Landsat effort in Georgia. These steps will include technology transfer from NASA to State agencies, the merging of technology with existing state programs, and the role of the Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Institute of Technology