Earth is now visible to everybody literally. Try Google Earth. If even a specialist in the field of geographic information systems will amaze at how the tool works, consider a layman with basic or non-GIS background person.
Google Earth is the best entry level one should use in getting to expand one's knowledge in the field of geoinformation. Easy integration, 3D-module, mash-up capability, global audience, global knowledge, simplistic platform are amongst the important factors people use it. Not to mention, creating your own 3D building from digital photos, street-views, pin-point addressess and business, these are great marketing tools. Good for business, good for people. Everything is handy. Nowadays, handy = mobile devices fit in your palm. Who needs paper maps?
Geographical Information Systems aka GIS is a tool not for everybody unfortunately. Not many can imagine its real capability. GIS is more than a mere visualisation tool to display shortest route to your destination. Its power is only limited with data availability, one's imaginations and the computing power. Lost? Look at the pics below;
This graphic shows population density in East Asia
and Indian Ocean region. Impact is created by integrating
graph and location information.
The above graphic shows geoprocessed sample of a radius
coverage due to an explosion impact.
In fact, a recent study discovers that most of man-made features has a position tagged to it, for example where is the building, where is the manhole, where is the restaurant, what is the route, how to go there, etc.. etc...
GIS depends on location information, in a more advanced GPS era nowadays -- we would comfortably equates location with latitude and longitude coordinates easily attainable via your mobile phone embedded with GPS.
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