The increasing complexity of geographic information systems (GIS) can be both a blessing and a curse to end users. The amount of data available today from multiple sources provides unlimited opportunities to create information-rich visualizations, simulations, maps and models. However, each kind of software used to manipulate the data typically supports specific file formats, so if your data’s format is not on the list, it has to be transformed. Incompatible file formats and the need to juggle between software extensions or add-ons to access different functionality, all while dealing with very large datasets, can greatly add to user frustration and negatively impact productivity.

There are literally hundreds of file formats in use today, including ones for spatial databases, raster data, vector data and gridded elevation formats. There are also dozens of mapping applications that address the needs of specific markets, such as utilities and transportation, and offer specialized analytical tools, such as precision agriculture and fleet tracking. Although there is no one-stop-shop for absolutely every situation, software developers have been diligently working to simplify the process for the end user.