Ubiquitous geographic information

Abstract

Ubiquitous Geographic Information (UBGI) In this chapter, ubiquitous geographic information (UBGI), which is a relatively new set of concepts, practices, and standards, is introduced and described, and its possible ramifications are analyzed in detail. The chapter begins with the definition of UBGI - geographic information that exists anywhere and anytime. However, the chapter attempts to convince readers that the true goal of UBGI is to make the use of geographic information easy and transparent. The emergence of UBGI needs to be understood within a broader context of both paradigm changes in computing technologies ubiquitous computing (i.e., centralized, distributed, mobile, and ubiquitous computing) and the advancement of information Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and communication technologies (ICTs), which make UBGI services feasible. Thus, the chapter reviews how computing technologies have evolved, and introduces the technological breakthroughs of each computing technology, which overcome place and time constraints and enable the realization of UBGI services in everyday life. A few enabling ICTs are then described, and existing UBGI initiatives are introduced. Issues on the technical developments of UBGI services are addressed, and recent standardization efforts on UBGI are introduced. Lastly, the ramifications of UBGI for future lifestyles, particularly in future cities, are discussed. The chapter is organized as follows: a brief review of Geographic Information Systems Geographic Information System (GIS) (GIS) evolution is introduced as a prelude to the emergence of UBGI. The evolution of computing technologies, from centralized to ubiquitous ubiquitous computing computing, is introduced as one of the UBGI enablers. Next, a few enabling information and communication technologies that make UBGI services feasible are briefly described, followed by existing UBGI initiatives. The future prospects of UBGI, in particular with respect to future cities, are introduced, before the summary and conclusion.