The cost-effectiveness and flexibility offered by large-format digital imaging has also helped diversify the number of out-of-home media. Out-of-home was a concept that didn't have a name until digital technology gave it one. Instead of hand- painting a bus or shelter, a self-adhesive graphic can be digitally imaged in a short amount of time and applied with relative ease. Advances in the durability and weatherability of inks and vinyl substrates keep the images looking sharp for a longer time.

Other technologies contribute to improvements in outdoor advertising. Satellite lighting systems allow outdoor companies to remotely adjust billboard lighting to change with seasons and daily light differences. For instance, lights can be programmed to turn off at the end of an advertiser's contract, while two-way communication lets outdoor companies know when there is no power.

Another electronic device barcode-identification tracks an advertiser's campaign from poster production through shipping, display and removal. In this way, advertisers can verify the status of their campaign through on-line communication with the outdoor companies. Similarly, computer-mapping systems help advertisers combine demographic and geographic market research data with outdoor locations to determine the best place to advertise.

Global positioning systems (GPS) make up another technology that enables the outdoor industry to determine display locations. Data is gathered with a hand-held GPS receiver that receives radio signals from satellites. The data is then put into mapping database systems that visually position billboards and other out-of-home advertising displays at that location. In this way, advertisers can test creative designs at specific locations from a computer before they commit to them. Lighting system of billboard changes seasonally, which is remote-control.