Geographical Information Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Geographical Information - Coursework Example The maintenance of networks of infrastructure depends on reliable information regarding dimensions, capacity, location, and depth. Use of technology ensures more reliability (Culpin, 1983, p.144). In addition, information linking location and development potentials allows local tax assessment collection to be carried out in a more transparent and easier manner, as all the records can easily be accessed; this has been one important benefit. Another benefit is that technology provides a good platform for establishment of transparent and reliable information systems, as it makes data more accessible and systematic. When there is easy access to data, then governance is improved (Culpin, 1983, p.145). In using technology for the GI, when doing Household Travel Surveys, one is able to collect data in a more efficient manner. Moreover, the data quality is improved immensely and the survey costs minimized. Moreover, technology provides a platform for integration of data and products to bette r interpret survey results (Richardson, 1996, p.74). Disadvantages of Using Technology in Geographical Information Although using technology for geographical information has many important benefits, it also has disadvantages. Huge costs are incurred in using technology with regards to hardware, software and staffing. The cost of using technology for the geographical information can sometimes be high, depending on the availability of electronic maps and other data. The cost of purchasing the necessary software, hardware and training staff to use technology is a big factor that affects the overall cost of using technology. The use technology for geographical information brings about potentials for mismanagement of the technology. This can result into an inefficient and disorganized delimitation process. Planning, good training, and ample time and resources must be put in place if technology is to be properly used.   Moreover, the use of technology in geographical information may lea d to misuse of the technology. For example, the GIS software can be misused for political reasons where one malicious user can manipulate constituency boundaries to retain control of parliament.  Because one has easy access to collected data and information, one malicious user can easily interfere with the same information to fit his own interests, for example, a politician sending a malicious user to tamper with population figures to gain political mileage with the electorate (Lisa, 2004, p.126). Influence of Future Use of the Technology Access Data The first aspect is Influence of Future Use of the Technology in terms of access to data. Technology will greatly revolutionize access to data in Geographical information. Generally, technology affects GI in several ways. The internet is currently being used for access data transfer, while in the future, technological advances will ensure that internet is accessible to more of the world’s population in a cheaper and faster way. This will mean that access to data will be readily available. The internet also allows the dissemination of GIS analysis outputs and information of a spatial nature to a larger audience. Even recently, people have been able to conduct a search and query analysis on-line, for things of a spatial nature without using any expensive software. This shows how technology is likely to influence the