A three-dimensional GPS position with attached features and attributes is provided. The laser gun reduces data collection costs and speeds data gathering. For example, a laser shot can be made to a manhole cover in a heavy traffic intersection without occupation. From one convenient location, nearby utility poles can be quickly captured with multiple shots. Features on private property can be shot without violating property boundaries.
Digital cameras are the next external sensing wave.
The digital image is a valuable feature attribute for GIS display and query. GPS positions can be joined to scientific data collected by temperature probes and magnetometers. More external sensing devices are on the way. GPS equipment will drop in price. Receivers will become smaller.