THE STEPS FORWARD OF GIS IN CHINA

Researches and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in China started in the early 1980s. In the early period, the development of GIS was mainly depended on the progress and applications of remote sensing, aerial photography, as well as computer aided design (CAD). In recent years, with the development of Global Positioning System(GPS) and Internet technology, GIS has being developed vigorously in the county. Looking ahead to the 21st century, a new era of “Digital Earth” and “Cyberspace” is coming, which will provide a great opportunity as well as a challenge to the China's GIS circles.