The Internet, sometimes called simply “the Net,” is a worldwide system of computer networks - a network of networks in which users at any one computer can, if they have permission, get information from any other computer (and sometimes talk directly to users at other computers). It was conceived by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) of the US Government in 1969 and was first known as the ARPANet. The original aim was to create a network that would allow users of a research computer at one university to be able to “talk to” research computers at other universities. A side benefit of ARPANet’s design was that, because messages could be routed or rerouted in more than one direction, the network could continue to function even if parts of it were destroyed in the event of a military attack or other disaster.
Today, the Internet is a public, cooperative, and self-sustaining facility accessible to hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Physically, the Internet uses a portion of the total resources of the currently existing public telecommunication networks. Technically, what distinguishes the Internet is its use of a set of protocols called TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). Two recent adaptations of Internet technology, the intranet and the extranet, also make use of the TCP/IP protocol.
On October 24, 1995, the Federal Networking Council (FNC) unanimously passed a resolution defining the term ‘Internet’. This definition was developed in consultation with the leadership of the Internet and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Communities. In the resolution, FNC agreed that the following language reflects their definition of the term “Internet”.
“Internet” refers to the global information system that –
- is logically linked together by a globally unique address space based on the Internet Protocol (IP) or its subsequent extensions/follow-ons;
- is able to support communications using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite or its subsequent extensions/follow-ons, and/or other IP-compatible protocols; and
- provides, uses or makes accessible, either
publicly or privately, high level services layered on the communications
and related infrastructure.
Internet growth in India
The Internet has emerged as one technology that is influencing every sphere of human activity. The Internet started in India in 1994. In 1998 the Internet was thrown open for private internet service providers (ISPs).
According to the country’s software association, National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) Internet connections in India is currently around one million which is expected to rise to 1.6 million by the end of March, 2001 and jump to 8 millions two years later. A survey commissioned by NASSCOM revealed that Internet user base was expected to rise to 5 million by end of March, 2000 and further to 18 million by end of March in 2003 and further to 23 million by end-December 2003. The survey was carried out over 68 cities and towns across the country which account for 92% of Internet users. Users are currently estimated at 4 million as each connection is said to be used by 4 people. The survey statement added that over 80 Internet Service Providers and at least 12 private international gateways were expected to commence operations by the end of March, 2001. A study by McKinsey and NASSCOM projects that over the coming eight years, our country might be able to trap 12 per cent of the projected $142-billion global market for IT-enabled services which is worth about $17 billions.
The public use of this technology is so new that the oldest Internet company (Amazon.com is among the first), is just about five years old. One web site is being launched every 8 seconds on the net. Worldwide e-commerce is likely to grow from $8 billion to $327 billion by 2002. Many experts say that they will not be surprised if this figure crosses a trillion by 2003. The recent change of situation shows that E (Electronic) has slowly modified its meaning to I (Internet).
If GIS is correlated with Internet
High Speed communication networks, and specifically the Internet have had a profound impact on the growth of GIS products in just the last three years. Access to GIS resources via a “spatial data clearinghouse” on the Internet is now being accomplished regularly via the World Wide Web. Because of the magnitude of the newly created GIS digital data, one can foresee the need for more robust networks with the ability to conduct a query, display results and download data across the Internet. The natural extension of these developments is public access GIS - citizens as consumers of locational information. Several state and local governments all over the world are now piloting access to GIS resources with easy, graphical interfaces at locations such as government centres and public libraries. With this in mind, perhaps the most dynamic trend is toward GIS on the Internet. GIS on the Internet will make it possible to add GIS functionality to a wide range of applications in the government and make it accessible to the masses.