The utilization of the Geographic Information System — simply GIS to most professionals today — took off more than 30 years ago when software developers integrated mapping into computer-aided design. Old news? On its own, perhaps. But, as we found out again this year, the market never stands still.

To identify trends in GIS use among surveyors, BNP Media’s market research division again worked with the editorial staff of POB magazine to develop and conduct a detailed market study. As with in 2014, the overwhelming majority of respondents this time — 87 percent of users and 100 percent of non-users — are involved somehow in their companies’ equipment purchases. You might be surprised at how they feel. They are, as we have come to expect, always looking for ways to work better.