What is Smart Mapping?
If you have ever used Google Maps, you have used a web mapping service. Web mapping is a standard protocol that serves georeferenced map images via the Internet. Data points from a GIS ( geographic information system) database provides the details for the images. Smart mapping takes web mapping a step further in that the data gathered occurs in real time, and produces visually stunning, interactive virtual maps that give detailed information on a given area.
Both private companies and the public use smart mapping applications for viewing, analyzing, managing, and displaying geographical data.
Cities and governments are increasingly providing smart mapping services for public use, which are leveraged to pinpoint exact locations. It is an evolving concept and is used interchangeably with GIS due to their close association. Thousands of organizations are using GIS to solve complex problems, transforming the way the world works.
Why Has Public GIS Become So Popular?
The following are several reasons why public and private government sectors use GIS:
- Improves Decision Making: Decisions are much easier because specific information about locations is presented.
- Reduces Costs & Improves Efficiency: With regard to maintenance schedules, scheduling timetables, and fleet movement.
- Improves Communication: Between organizations and departments, who have elite access to an easily understandable, visual format.
- Improves Planning: Allows you to plan a course of action using geographic information.
- Easy Recordkeeping: GIS easily records geographical changes.
The Del Mar Public GIS GeoViewer™
The City of Del Mar’s Public GIS GeoViewer™ designed by Nobel Systems allows individuals to access GIS maps from any location. This is a useful tool for members of the public to be able to locate a specific landmark or other areas of the city.
Whether to find a local park, bike routes, and racks or for families to discover local schools, this type of public web mapping allows the public to achieve many objectives. Residents of Del Mar can view trash pickup and street sweeping schedules, public hiking trails, zoning areas, and even where tennis courts are located with Nobel Systems’ Public GeoViewer™ Want to know where to park downtown? GeoViewer shows you.
Del Mar’s Public GIS GeoViewer™ has excellent capabilities since one can type a location of choice and receive an up-close view. Simply type in an address and enjoy interactive, easy-to-use features that indicate real-life proximity. The public can find and view landmarks by searching by type, including schools, hospitals, museums, and many others.
Why Has Public GIS Grown in Popularity?
Nobel Systems’ Public GeoViewer™ and other applications like it have grown in popularity due to the increasing scope of technology available. It meets the growing demand for content at the click of a button.
Governments can publish information through user-friendly, searchable “smart maps” with spatial analysis on geospatial platforms. Communities and business can receive up-to-date information, which boosts public engagement considerably.
What is Driving the Growth of the GIS Industry?
Increasing availability of technology has propelled the GIS and geospatial industries to new heights. The development of smart cities has also played a role, creating a demand for 3D GIS.
Companies are continuing to invest in GIS for disaster management, forest fire management, flood management, utility asset management, and various other environmental initiatives. Climate change has driven GIS initiatives, alongside a demand for geospatial information on a consumer level.
With the influx of smartphone technology, web mapping technology is used at the core of various applications.
The future of smart mapping in today’s technology-driven era is endless. Soon, with smart-city driven initiatives worldwide being implemented, we might see smart-mapping systems like Nobels’ Public GeoViewer a common utility provide by local government institutions for the public.