Mobile technology has significantly changed how we communicate and interact with the outside world. With the increasing use of mobile devices and advancement of information communication information (ICT) technologies, mobile GIS emerged to provide real-time data collection and update, and made GIS easier and convenient to access. This entry introduces the concept, types, and general architecture of mobile GIS, key technologies used for mobile GIS development, and examples of mobile GIS applications.
The ubiquity of mobile devices is increasingly integrated into our daily routines. Each successive iteration of these devices introduces novel functionalities, enhancing their accessibility and affordability, while also expanding the availability of new applications. Mobile phone technology has undergone significant advancements, resulting in more sophisticated devices and operating systems. Consequently, a diverse array of mobile applications tailored for smartphone operating systems, provided by various mobile vendors, has emerged. A mobile application is defined as a software application developed specifically for use on small, wireless computing devices, such as smartphones and tablets, rather than desktop or laptop computers. Educators and researchers should acquaint themselves with fundamental terminologies pertinent to mobile applications, as they underpin comprehension in this field. These terminologies include location-based services, indoor positioning systems, call detail records, push notifications, mobile device sensors, in-app data capture, mobile data analytics, crowdsourcing data collection, and mobile navigation systems. Although technological progress has been made regarding mobile devices equipped with computing power, leading to a shift from desktop computers, many limitations and challenges remain, specifically in the concern of data governance and privacy issues.