The final results are stored digitally and can then be processed very efficiently by computers. The computer not only provides practically unlimited storage space, it also allows the storage of the map completely separate from the display of it. Thus, geographical data can be stored in its highest accuracy digitally. When these data are eventually shown on a computer monitor in a map-like form, cartographic enhancements will apply to produce the most effective visual image without affecting the original accuracy. The real power of computer maps comes from the ease in obtaining and analysing data.
Computers are very efficient search and computational tools.
In order to harness the power provided by computer maps, very sophisticated computer systems called geographic information systems have been developed. Often called GISs, these systems can be used to input, store, analyse, and present geographical information. Canada has been a pioneer in GISs research and development. Over the last decade, the number of commercially available GISs software systems has increased from a few to over a hundred. GISs have now become major tools for both mappers and users of geographical information.