description Roger Tomlinson Overview
Roger Tomlinson is a Canadian cartographer renowned for his creation of the Canada Land Inventory and the development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). His innovative approach to land surveying and data management fundamentally shaped modern mapping techniques. He designed a system now widely used by government agencies, environmental organizations, and researchers involved in spatial analysis and resource management across Canada and internationally.
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Who is widely considered the 'father of GIS'?
Roger Tomlinson, an English-Canadian geographer, is universally credited as the "father of Geographic Information Systems" (GIS). He first used the exact phrase "geographic information system" in his 1968 paper for the Royal Commission.
What was the Canada Land Inventory and how was Roger Tomlinson involved?
In the 1960s, Tomlinson initiated, designed, and directed the development of the Canada Geographic Information System (CGIS). This ambitious federal project, the Canada Land Inventory, was created to map and analyze land capability across the country.
Did Roger Tomlinson have a background in computers before GIS?
Yes, before developing CGIS, he worked as a photogrammetric engineer for Spartan Air Services in Ottawa. His experience combining aerial photography with geographic data directly led to his realization that computer systems were needed to manage spatial data.
Did Roger Tomlinson write any notable books on geographic systems?
He authored the highly influential book "Thinking About GIS: Geographic Information System Planning for Managers." First published in the early 2000s, it provided a practical guide for organizations looking to implement complex spatial databases.
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