The technological developments occurring in surveying and mapping offer significant promise to GIS users. This paper will look at the three stages of GIS growth: inception, demonstration, and implementation. The maturation of this technology is going to require looking at the geometric accuracy, particularly for multiparticipant projects. Looming before the industry are the legal issues related to the consumer's use of these data. The new surveying technologies can offer more diversity in data collection and ensure higher accuracy levels at a lower cost than just a couple of years ago. The global positioning system, total stations, and soft-copy photogrammetric systems are more robust methods of creating data and, when utilized properly, can meet the needs of even the most demanding customer.
Khagendra Thapa
Ferris State University
Surveying Engineering
915 Campus Dr., Swan 312
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2291
Telephone: 616-592-2660
Fax: 616-592-2931
Email: thapak@cot01.ferris.edu
Robert Burtch
Ferris State University
Surveying Engineering
915 Campus Dr., Swan 312
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2291
Telephone: 616-592-2634
Fax: 616-592-2660
Email: burtchr@cot01.ferris.edu