The Role of IoT and GIS in Transforming Lives
By: The Geospatial
Tags: Future Technology, IoT, GIS, Technology, Smart Cities

Image: Spar3D

The Internet of Things (IoT) and Geographic Information System (GIS) are potent technologies standalone. They have helped build the world around us and have become indispensable to our lives, whether we realize it or not.

IoT is a collection of devices that work in conjunction with each other to transmit data and carry out functions without human intervention. It can be deployed in many industries and has many uses. From our bedroom technologies and voice-controlled devices to air traffic control and military equipment, IoT has been a gamechanger when it comes to interconnecting devices to increase efficiency.

GIS, on the other hand, is a location technology that facilitates simple functionalities such as GPS tracking of your food order to complex functions like studies of environmental trends over hundreds of years.

When used together, these powerful technologies facilitate the building of relationships between devices and objects that are able to operate and be tracked with respect to each other. It looks like something out of a sci-fi movie and is truly fascinating.

Also Read: What is Internet of Things and Its Top Applications

The data produced and collecting when IoT is used in conjunction with GIS is valuable as it gives deep insights into effectiveness, cross-device functionality, and seamlessness of the system created by these technologies.

Today, IoT and GIS are used together for a variety of things. Mostly at scale, here are some industries and projects leveraging these two powerhouse technologies:

Smart Lives

With everything in your life being monitored through IoT and GIS devices, it is imperative to understand how this data is benefitting us. Remember how your phone recommends you the fastest route to work at 8 am with your most commonly used mode of transport? IoT and GIS are to thank here.

Now, you’re able to switch up your thermostat and refrigerator settings while sitting at your work desk in an office miles away. You are able to find the nearest restaurants, see their availability in real-time, and connect with them at the tap of a button. All of this has GIS and IoT being used at some point or the other.

Smart Vehicles

Vehicles that have IoT and GIS-enabled are able to transmit data to authorities for urban traffic management and road safety. These cars can predict traffic, provide alternate routes, and also warn drivers of road conditions and potential threats.

IoT and GIS used in vehicles can help reduce the number of accidents by reducing the split-second decisions people have to take in times of crisis. It also helps authorities increase road safety, find problem areas, and effectively help people.

Smart Infrastructure

Infrastructure can be made more efficient by using IoT in conjunction with GIS. It can help analyze energy use patterns across different buildings, make resource use more efficient, and help build strategies for sustainability by analyzing data and trends over time.

Smart Urban Development

Planning Smart Cities that use IoT and GIS can help create ecosystems that thrive and are sustainable. Deploying GIS and IoT at this scale can help reduce pollution and the stress on the environment. It can also help build strategies to safeguard against future threats, create an efficient system for public services, and reduce financial wastage.

The use of IoT and GIS has proven to be beneficial individually, but together, these technologies create a future-proof tomorrow.

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