Integration of GIS, remote sensing, and visualization

Abstract

This paper explores the development of an idea conceived a number of years ago for the integration of three diverse technologies into a system capable of supporting a wide variety of applications. The concept of Virtual Geographic Information System (VGIS) was developed in the early 1990's even though no technology base existed that would support real time implementation of the idea. The VGIS concept grew out of the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and Visualization (Viz) into a comprehensive tool that is now used at Georgia Tech in terrain analysis, environmental analysis, weather radar visualization, weather model understanding, situational visualization for emergency response, etc. The implementation of the concept culminated in the development of a system called the Georgia Tech Virtual GIS System (GTVGIS). This paper will discuss the evolution of the system, its applications at Georgia Tech, and the new directions and commercial utilization of similar concepts.