Visual Learning Systems, Inc. was founded in 1999 with support from a NASA Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant and released its first product, Feature Analyst®, in 2001. On April 28, 2006, VLS became a division of Overwatch Systems™ Geospatial Operations (new window will open). The VLS division of Overwatch Systems offers software and service solutions for creating and maintaining geospatial image data.

Since its inception, the U.S. Department of Defense has ranked VLS among the world's top three providers of mapping tools to support the war on terrorism. ESRI awarded Feature Analyst in 2002 as "Most Innovative Solution," and honored VLS as ESRI Business Partner of the Year in 2004.

VLS continues to reach the growing needs of the GIS industry with innovative new products and the annual VLS Users Conference. In 2005, VLS introduced a new 3D AFE product, LIDAR Analyst®, to the GIS market (click links for details).