HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) IN COSTA RICA

This work is a retrospective study of the origins and evolution of the applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing in our country. It begins with the work of Prof. Merryl Lyew of the School of Geographic Sciences at Universidad Nacional and continues with a brief description of the GIS and Remote Sensing implementation process at state centers of higher education. It also analyzes how different academic departments have incorporated GIS and Remote Sensing technology in their courses of study. Subsequently, this work presents an approximation of the actual situation regarding GIS and remote sensing in public and private institutions and how these technologies have become incorporated in their daily work. It also refers to the different events that have been carried on in Costa Rica with the objective of sharing experiences in the most diverse applications. In the same way, this work cites some of the principal private businesses dedicated to the sale of supplies, applications, training and software in the field of GIS and remote sensing. Two options are seen as the best way to pursue the official consolidation of an agency, commission or administrative department to have under its responsibility organization of the National Infrastructure of Geospatial Data. The second deals with the successful effort by the School of Geographic Sciences at Universidad Nacional of Costa Rica as of 2008 to offer the Professional Master's program in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing.