Part of the allure of GML is that software vendors who choose to support it will be able to access data from any source that publishes data expressed in GML, and then manage, display and use this data as they like. GML 2.0 significantly expands the capabilities of GML 1.0. GML 2.0 is based on XML Schema, and enables the encoding of complex features and feature associations. GML was one of several technology ideas that evolved from OGC's Web Mapping Testbed, which began operation in 1999. Instead of just querying for pictures of maps, users can now interact with the data.
Data analysts can now geographically visualize information that was previously a text narrative.
The commercial potential for spatial data that can be used by systems other than mapping applications is considerable. For example, location-savvy business systems, such as mobile commerce applications, can make use of GML data. GML moves Web mapping from a niche technology to a mainstream business information service. The OGC Technical Committee has begun electronic balloting for approval of the recommendation paper as a specification, with final voting to be completed by early April. With a final specification, software vendors can begin to implement GML in their offerings, and take another significant step toward data and software interoperability.