Abstract:

As a spatial science, Geographical Information System (GIS) is characterized by its distinctive spatial thinking and perspectives. With a focus on spatial interrelations and interactions, GIS can be used to reveal the spatial distribution patterns and dynamic changes of objects, events, and phenomena. This article outlines the future prospects of the development of GIS based on the understanding of the spatial objects that it studies. Universal GIS with universal coordinate system will be developed when the study objects is the universe. Indoor GIS is to be studied and developed in case that GIS is applied to the indoor space where we spend about 80% of our time. GISs for underground and aqua-spaces also need to be developed since our activities have extended into solid earth such as shopping malls in subway stations and open water such as marine fishery. GIS is also useful when we deal with spatial issues involving micro-scale spaces such as sport fields or human body, therefore human GIS and sports GIS that describes and models sports activities will come into being. The coming of age of big data has created a new opportunity for the development of GIS. Spatial thinking and analysis will contribute greatly to the resolution of big data mining, even big data science.

Key words: geographical information system, universal GIS, indoor GIS, human GIS, sports GIS