National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis

This unit presents some of the current trends in GIS, including trends in computer hardware and software, new applications of GIS technology and new sources of data. A shift toward parallel processing, larger computer memories, specialized workstations and networks are discussed in addition to database management systems and their integration with GIS, and new user interfaces and display products. Potential applications of GIS in decision support, science and mathematics, and predictions regarding data sharing, emphasis on data uncertainty, and remote sensing as a source of data are outlined.