Real-world issues and applications for real-time geographic information systems (RT-GIS)

Many issues related to incorporating real-time spatial information within G eographic Information Systems (GIS) need to be investigated. It can be esta blished that the concept of real-time in relation to the input, analysis, d isplay, and output of complex spatial information depends directly on speci fic user applications. This dependency has been evident throughout the Nava l Research Laboratory's development of a real-time GIS for hydrographic sur veys. This paper contrasts the issues and requirements observed for this ap plication with those of vector moving-mag displays for high-speed aeronauti cal applications. It also attempts to quantify the influence of various fac tors and impacts affecting real-time response to specialised applications l ike vector moving-map displays.