GIS has been gradually developed since 1960s. 1854 is at best the prototype of GIS. At that time, the camera seemed to have been invented, and it could take pictures in the sky by hot air balloon, which was the originator of remote sensing.

1963, Canadian surveyor R.F.Tomlinson first put forward the concept of geographic information system, and established the world's first practical geographic information system-Canadian Geographic Information System (CGIS) for the management and planning of natural resources.

198 1 year, the institute of remote sensing application of Chinese academy of sciences established the first GIS laboratory in China. In the first few years of development, China's GIS system has made progress in theoretical exploration, hardware configuration, software development, specification formulation, regional experimental research, local system establishment, preliminary application test and technical team training, and accumulated experience, laying a foundation for nationwide GIS research and application.

MapInfo MapInfo USA was founded in 1986. Its software products are mainly desktop geographic information system, with 22 Chinese versions, including Chinese version.