"Roger Tomlinson, the man widely regarded as the father of GIS — Geographic Information Systems

has died at age 80. Tomlinson's 1960s innovation, using computer software to overlay different types of maps on top of one another, revolutionized industry and government.

ROBERT SIEGEL, HOST:

If you've ever used something like Google Maps or a GPS device, thank Roger Tomlinson. He's widely regarded as the father of GIS, that's geographic information systems, the technology behind electronic maps. Roger Tomlinson died Sunday at the age of 80.

Georgia Public Broadcasting's Adam Ragusea has this remembrance.

ADAM RAGUSEA, BYLINE: It's hard to overstate how important this British-born geographer was to his field. But when I interviewed him last year, it didn't feel like talking to the father of an industry. More like a puckish grandfather.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED BROADCAST)

RAGUSEA: So when people call you the father of GIS, what do they mean by that?

ROGER TOMLINSON: It means I'm old.

(LAUGHTER)"

snip
http://www.npr.org/2014/02/13/276522411/tech-innovator-and-master-of-maps-dies-at-80

Well worth the read and or listen at NPR.

Having worked in the industry, I have high regards and respect for Tomlinson's ingenuity and work.