| The use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for Geographic Information System (GIS) has developed in an application-specific manner. The purpose of this study is to define the relationship between these technologies. The components of GIS and GPS are examined to determine their capabilities and limitations. The basic relationship between the technologies is established through the development of a classification system for the use of GPS for GIS, from an examination of a large number of GIS applications utilizing GPS. This classification is based on the purpose and type of positional data required, the data collection environment, the accuracy and time required, the mode of GPS survey, and the use of GPS with other positioning methods. Approaches towards improving the GIS product with GPS data include to enhance positional data acquisition, to georeference GIS data, to evaluate spatial data quality, and to edit. Areas of further research are indicated. |
