These clouds are replacing the hardwired communication that has long been a standard of the industry and can potentially give both clients and competitors an advantage in information processing, Sinclair warns. At the same time, Sinclair writes that the industry should not allow these clouds to overshadow the importance of customer satisfaction, but should rather regard the clouds as an extension of automation systems. Berry, Joseph K. Video mapping greatly reduces the complexity involved in the creation of a multimedia GIs database. A video mapping unit locates a position using GPS data and then transmits that data to a video camera, which records it on videotape. Users can also make comments while they are filming, and software will convert those comments into text for the GIs database.
Maps are no longer static images on paper or a computer screen.
Data visualization is a three-step process that requires not much hardware beyond a video mapping unit and an advanced video camera since many video cameras now serve as digital cameras as well. Users record, index, then review. This rather uncomplicated process is all that is needed to bring a map from field data collection to dynamic, multimedia presentation. GlobeXplorer offers a wide range of images to media, real estate, and services that may have never before considered using geospatial data, such as travel and recreation or sports broadcast sites. Analysts say much of that growth will come from nontraditional users of geospatial data, which will cause imagery providers to tailor their products to meet customer demand.