Comments on: Google Maps and GIS http://michalisavraam.org/2009/10/google-maps-and-gis/ intersecting space and time through gis endeavors Tue, 08 Feb 2011 01:03:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.3 By: Michalis Avraam http://michalisavraam.org/2009/10/google-maps-and-gis/comment-page-1/#comment-234 Michalis Avraam Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:00:16 +0000 http://michalisavraam.org/?p=161#comment-234 So nice to see you here Dawn. I am happy you stumbled upon me. I already follow you on Twitter myself. So nice to see you here Dawn. I am happy you stumbled upon me. I already follow you on Twitter myself.

]]> By: Dawn http://michalisavraam.org/2009/10/google-maps-and-gis/comment-page-1/#comment-232 Dawn Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:44:08 +0000 http://michalisavraam.org/?p=161#comment-232 I fully agree Michalis, and will be discussing this issue in my intermediate GIS course next term. Great to have stumbled on to your blog, which is terrific and I w ill be following via RSS feed!! See you soon on the "Voicing Climate Concerns" front! I fully agree Michalis, and will be discussing this issue in my intermediate GIS course next term. Great to have stumbled on to your blog, which is terrific and I w ill be following via RSS feed!! See you soon on the “Voicing Climate Concerns” front!

]]> By: Michalis Avraam http://michalisavraam.org/2009/10/google-maps-and-gis/comment-page-1/#comment-89 Michalis Avraam Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:36:30 +0000 http://michalisavraam.org/?p=161#comment-89 Kimo, I agree with you. The web-based mapping applications out there, as well Google Earth and Virtual Earth (and WorldWind for that matter) are indeed disruptive technologies. And perhaps they will reach the point of indeed competing with the traditional GIS at some point in time. But for now, to assume that GE or VE are GIS offerings is damaging the reputation of GIS. I have heard people ask my students why the learn GIS if GE is so easy to use. Those are not one and the same, and don't even support the same functionality. They indeed both server a purpose, and GIS may have to fear the GEs of the world, but for now, GIS is distinct and safe I believe. Kimo,

I agree with you. The web-based mapping applications out there, as well Google Earth and Virtual Earth (and WorldWind for that matter) are indeed disruptive technologies. And perhaps they will reach the point of indeed competing with the traditional GIS at some point in time. But for now, to assume that GE or VE are GIS offerings is damaging the reputation of GIS. I have heard people ask my students why the learn GIS if GE is so easy to use. Those are not one and the same, and don’t even support the same functionality. They indeed both server a purpose, and GIS may have to fear the GEs of the world, but for now, GIS is distinct and safe I believe.

]]> By: kimo http://michalisavraam.org/2009/10/google-maps-and-gis/comment-page-1/#comment-88 kimo Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:37:39 +0000 http://michalisavraam.org/?p=161#comment-88 "Lack functionality in their current state". But if it is regarded as an example of disruptive technology this is a key characteristic to watch for. Disruptive technologies are dismissed as being deficient, but as they add functions and capability they eventually become a candidate and there is a sudden switch. So while they may not be a full GIS yet, if there is a business case for Google the missing functions will be added soon. As for adding your own data. It seems that its already easier in GE or GM that any other GIS package. You only need a web browser or free add-in, its centrally stored if required and its easy. Consider how hard it is to set up a GIS database to let user add points (Points! what about lines and polygons) from the web. Open Street Map seems to be the only common option. “Lack functionality in their current state”. But if it is regarded as an example of disruptive technology this is a key characteristic to watch for. Disruptive technologies are dismissed as being deficient, but as they add functions and capability they eventually become a candidate and there is a sudden switch.

So while they may not be a full GIS yet, if there is a business case for Google the missing functions will be added soon.

As for adding your own data. It seems that its already easier in GE or GM that any other GIS package. You only need a web browser or free add-in, its centrally stored if required and its easy. Consider how hard it is to set up a GIS database to let user add points (Points! what about lines and polygons) from the web. Open Street Map seems to be the only common option.

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