In the past, maps were only available in printed form, as sheet maps or atlases. However, over the last few years, electronic maps and mapping systems that were previously only available to the military or as highly specialised commercial products have become more and more accessible to the casual user.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are used to store, analyse and display geographically-referenced information; that is, data identified according to location. Although this technology has many scientific and commercial applications; the one most people will be familiar with is its use in route planners.

Global Positioning System (GPS) devices can be found almost everywhere and have become an important navigation tool, as well as being an essential device for map-making and land surveying. They also provide an extremely precise time reference, essential for telecommunications and scientific research.

In this section we take a look at both GIS and GPS in more detail, along with their use and applications.