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International Geospatial Digest for Jan 23rd, 2024

GoGeomatics volunteer editors and writers have discussed these stories and decided to bring them to your attention for this our first International Geospatial digest of 2024.

Younger geospatial professionals recognize the importance of their work

Geospatial information, a fundamental aspect of human history since the creation of the first maps and throughout the Age of Exploration, has gained renewed importance in modern times. This resurgence is evident in the widespread use of location-based apps like Uber and DoorDash, as well as in emerging fields like mixed reality and the metaverse, bringing geospatial data into the public spotlight.

While the commercial potential of geospatial technology is vast, its role in societal and environmental betterment has also come to the fore. This dual aspect of geospatial technology—commercial gain and societal good—will be a key focus at the upcoming Geo Week 2024. Check it out in the article below.

https://www.geoweeknews.com/blogs/younger-geospatial-professionals-geo-week-2024

Five Predictions for Geospatial Specialists in 2024

Looking into 2024, the momentum in the geospatial industry is expected to continue growing. Five key predictions for 2024 include:

  1. Generative Design and AI Integration: With the rise of generative AI, as seen in tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, there’s an expected integration of AI in architecture, engineering, and construction. Companies like Siemens, PTC, and Autodesk are incorporating generative design in various sectors. Research is also exploring the use of AI in BIM and urban planning. IBM’s advancement in geospatial AI is aiding environmental efforts, and technologies like Amazon’s Bedrock platform are automating geospatial tasks.
  2. Increased Demand for Geospatial Specialists in Infrastructure: Sustainable infrastructure initiatives by the Biden Administration will likely boost the need for geospatial specialists. This demand is driven by the necessity to manage and visualize geographic data in large-scale projects.
  3. Growth in IoT and Cloud-based Systems: The integration of IoT with GIS is expected to enhance real-time data collection and spatial analytics, improving efficiency in various projects.

    Predicting the future of Geo

  4. BIM with AR/VR Integration: Advances in AR/VR technology, such as Microsoft’s Halo Lens and Meta’s Quest 3, may lead to their increased application in BIM, enhancing accuracy and collaboration in geospatial planning.
  5. Focus on Data Synchronization: The trend towards integrating GIS and BIM, along with asset management, is expected to continue. This integration aims to build smart cities efficiently and improve supply chain and climate change monitoring.
    Check out the full article here https://www.geoweeknews.com/blogs/geospatial-predictions-2024-ai-infrastructure-bim-ar-vr-iot

How AI and Geospatial Intelligence will change 2024

The synergy of geospatial intelligence and AI in 2024 is poised to revolutionize how businesses operate, offering enhanced insights, operational efficiency, and competitive advantages in various sectors.

  1. Retail Industry Innovations: Major retailers like Walmart are utilizing geospatial data to optimize inventory, discover new market opportunities, and enhance customer service. Walmart, specifically, employs geospatial data to track product sales across locations, aiding in inventory management and market opportunity identification. As they progress, AI and GIS are expected to play an even more crucial role.
  2. Advanced Decision-Making: Businesses are leveraging geospatial data and AI for deeper insights into market opportunities, customer behaviors, and competitive analysis. AI-driven predictive analytics further aid in making more accurate forecasts and informed decisions.
  3. Transportation and Delivery Optimization: Uber exemplifies the use of geospatial intelligence in optimizing ride-hailing services through better pricing strategies, efficient driver-rider matching, and improved safety features. Similarly, Amazon uses geospatial data to enhance delivery routes, logistics operations, and to provide personalized customer recommendations.
  4. Personalized Marketing and Customer Support: Geospatial data enables businesses to offer location-based promotions and discounts. AI-powered tools like chatbots and virtual assistants offer personalized customer support, as seen in Burger King’s use of geospatial data for targeted marketing campaigns.

    AI Dragon

  5. Operational Automation and Efficiency: The integration of AI and geospatial data facilitates automation in inventory management and supply chain operations, leading to cost reductions and increased efficiency. Novartis uses geospatial data for analyzing local talent pools for office site selection, while SEUR optimizes its supply chain network using similar data.
  6. Broader Business Implications: The convergence of geospatial intelligence and AI in 2024 is a critical factor for business success, unlocking new revenue streams, enhancing customer experiences, and automating various tasks. This technological adoption positions businesses competitively in a data-driven market.

Assessing the Needs of the World’s Most Food Insecure Countries

In 2022 and 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) focused on addressing key crises causing food insecurity, such as the conflict in Ukraine, extreme heat, and armyworm infestations in southern Africa. The FAO’s Data in Emergencies (DIEM) team, led by Neil Marsland, uses satellite imagery, field data, and advanced spatial analysis to investigate and mitigate these crises.

The DIEM team, established during the 2020 pandemic, aims to assess and monitor agricultural stresses in countries where food insecurity is chronic. They employ geographic information system (GIS) technology and remote sensing to create the DIEM Hub, which helps in monitoring food vulnerability and understanding farmers’ needs.

The team’s work highlights the strong connection between food scarcity and government instability. More than 80% of UN resources have been directed to conflict areas in recent years, linking wars to cycles of hunger and instability. The DIEM team’s efforts include analyzing the impact of various crises on food production and availability, employing satellite imagery and GIS technology to model agricultural stress.

https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/blog/fao-addresses-chronic-food-insecurity/