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Mobile GIS

Mobile GIS, or Mobile Geographic Information System, refers to using GIS technologies on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It enables users to access, collect, edit, analyze, and display geospatial information in real time, anywhere, and at any time.

A mobile GIS typically includes mapping software, GPS functionality, and data collection tools that can be used to gather and update information about the physical world. This information can then be used to make informed decisions, solve problems, and better understand patterns and relationships in the data.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

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Cell phones and other wireless communication forms have become common in society.

With ~80% of all data deemed to have a spatial component, modern Mobile GIS is a powerful tool.[10] The number of mobile devices in circulation has surpassed the world's population (2013) with a rapid acceleration in iOS, Android and Windows 8 tablet up-take. Tablets are fast becoming popular for Utility field use. Low-cost MIL-STD-810 certified cases transform consumer tablets into fully ruggedized yet lightweight field-use units at 10% of legacy ruggedized laptop costs.

Although not all applications of mobile GIS are limited by the device, many are. These limitations are more applicable to smaller devices such as

Mobile GIS has a significant overlap with internet GIS; however, not all mobile GIS employs the internet, much less the mobile web.[1] Thus, the categories are distinct.^[1]

History

The history of mobile GIS can be traced back to the early days of GPS and portable computing technology. In the 1990s, GPS receivers began to be integrated into portable computers, which paved the way for the developing of early mobile GIS systems. These systems were used primarily for navigation and mapping in outdoor environments.

In the early 2000s, the advent of smartphones and tablets with built-in GPS, cameras, and data connectivity capabilities provided a new platform for mobile GIS. The first mobile GIS applications were developed for these devices, focusing primarily on mapping and navigation.

Over the next decade, mobile GIS evolved rapidly, becoming more powerful, user-friendly, and accessible. The widespread adoption of mobile devices and cloud computing technologies made it possible to collect, store, and analyze large amounts of geospatial data in real time. This led to the development of advanced mobile GIS applications that can be used in various industries and disciplines, including asset management, field inspections, data collection, environmental monitoring, emergency response, and many others.

Today, mobile GIS is a critical tool for organizations and individuals who need to access, collect, and analyze geospatial information in real time. The increasing capabilities of mobile devices and the development of new GIS technologies continue to drive the growth and evolution of mobile GIS.

Applications

Applications of mobile GIS include asset management, field inspections, data collection, environmental monitoring, emergency response, and many others. With the increasing availability and capabilities of mobile devices, mobile GIS is becoming an increasingly important tool for organizations and individuals in various industries and disciplines.

Criticism

Accuracy and reliability of data: One of the main criticisms of mobile GIS is the accuracy and reliability of the data collected using mobile devices. GPS signals can be disrupted by obstacles such as tall buildings, trees, and weather conditions, leading to inaccurate location data collected by mobile GIS.

Data security: Mobile GIS systems often rely on cloud-based storage for data collection and management, which raises concerns about data security and privacy.

Cost: Mobile GIS systems can be expensive to implement and maintain, especially for smaller organizations and individuals. This is because they require specialized hardware, software, and technical expertise.

User experience: The user experience of mobile GIS can be limited by the size and form factor of mobile devices and the complexity of the underlying GIS software.

Integration with existing systems: Integrating mobile GIS with existing GIS systems can be challenging, especially if the systems use different data formats and technologies.

Privacy:

See also

References