ABSTRACT
We suggest that geographical information systems (GIS) are either big data situations or have the potential to become a big data tool. We know from global positioning system (GPS) use that a lot of data can be compressed and used in relatively small memory. However, most GPS use is regional, which cuts down on some of the data storage requirements. Even if we blanket the globe with degree-minute-second information for latitude and longitude, we still may not be looking at a true big data problem.
