Spatial information systems have been in use in Malta for just over ten years; time spent in implementing systems, collating and digitising existing spatial information, and creating new datasets. It is now, after a decade spent in learning valuable lessons and gaining experience and knowledge, that GIS in Malta is mature enough to be fully exploited as an effective tool.

A GI Timeline:

Pre-1989 – paper based system
1989 - digital topographic base map (NMA)
1992 - digital system – AM/FM
1994 – GIS introduced – different entities involved
1999 – drive for national GIS platform
2001 – launching of on-line GIS – (Web-GIS)
2003 – GIS main stream organisational tool
2004 - Environmental GI launched online
2005 - Local takeup in International GI projects
2006 - Preparing for the INSPIRE Directive