In previous blog posts we’ve discussed the split in GIS. Not so much a split in the core technology, but in the users served and thus solutions provided. Traditional GIS will continue to support GIS professionals. “New” GIS is now serving a far wider user base. These are users who want to move beyond charts and graphs and visualize data on maps.To query business data based on location. These are users who want to replace their use of pen and paper while in the field, with mobile GIS. They want have access to maps and data in both populated (connected) and remote (disconnected) areas. There is much much more.

Its an exciting future. But just how do we bring GIS to this wider set of users?

Through integration that is how.

What do we mean by GIS Integration?

By integration we mean bringing GIS into current systems. This is being done in two ways:

1) Extending existing applications to include maps and GIS functionality – extending without the need to recreate.

2) Building a bridge between GIS and existing systems and platforms – as an example combining the insight brought by GIS with business intelligence.

GIS Integration through Innovation

GIS is moving from the periphery to the core. Traditional approaches to GIS no longer apply. Simple, intuitive, flexible, functionally focused solutions are what is needed. Solutions which integrate with widely used and understood systems. By integration we don’t mean rolling GIS into SAP for example. We mean building simple integration frameworks which provide a bridge between the technologies. Combining the best of worlds.

Step forward innovation. Companies focused on this new wave of GIS interest are looking into innovative ways to provide a bridge between GIS and existing systems.

WebMapSolutions Integrative GIS Framework

We’ve been developing an integrative GIS framework, using open technologies. Our framework is based on web technology, and provides hooks into existing platforms and systems. Need to bring GIS to SAP for example, we have built that integration point. Have an existing application which needs GIS? Again the framework does the heavy lifting. Need to extend a web based GIS application to provide disconnected capabilities? The framework to the rescue.

Moving forward we see GIS frameworks as becoming ever more popular. Driven by the increasing demand for external systems to integrate with GIS.