Geo-Services: Trends, Challenges and Implications for Travel

Summary

Over the last one thousand years, explorers traveling on land, over water or by air have relied on maps to chart new territories and to plot new trade routes. The less adventurous have used maps to get safely and efficiently from point
A to point B. Maps drawn by the first cartographers opened the world to subsequent generations of explorers, settlers and tourists. However, until the mid-20th century, the creation and dissemination of maps was controlled by an
elite few.

In our modern world, geographic data and maps have become critical components of daily life for people and businesses alike. Geographic data underlie our networked food supply and energy delivery, drive global
commerce and logistics, and lubricate our transportation systems. Our modern, interlinked global economy would grind to an immediate halt without this information.

This Spotlight explores geographic content and services, known together as geo-services. The article focuses on three key areas. First, we examine some important trends to identify where geo-services may be heading. Next we look
at the challenges and benefits of geo-services to businesses. Finally, we draw some conclusions and outline some recommendations for travel marketers and consumers.