Your Global Geospatial Briefing for January 14th: WayRay; Geospatial profiling; big data; Planet; GeoSpock

Big business, big data

According to a 2017 Market Guide for AIOps Platforms, by 2022 40% of all big enterprises will combine big data and machine learning to solve complex problems and replace service desk and monitoring functions. Because of the immense utility of big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and sophisticated data analytics are coming together to make it easier for companies to harness the power of data. The analysis and correlation of network and communication data have become the backbone of business operations, meaning that organizations which fail to take advantage of technology could become lost in a sea of their own data.

Jack the Ripper: Using GIS to Catch a Killer

Geospatial profiling is helping modern detectives to apply mathematics to catch criminals. By using statistics to find patterns in geographical locations where events take place, investigators can determine anchor points—important locations to find clues. For instance, taking the crime scenes associated with the famed serial killer Jack the Ripper through the geospatial profiling process directs history crime buffs to his likely base of operations. Though it was far beyond the reach of Victorian police forces, modern detectives are using a combination of Bayesian statistics and technology like the computer algorithm Rigel to locate serious offenders.

Augmented Reality at the wheel

A prototype of augmented reality startup WayRay took part in CES 2019 from the inside of luxury Hyundai, allowing drivers to test the car while guided by holographic images. The AR system projects images across the windshield, synchronizing with real-life objects: for instance, an arrow might appear as an indicator to turn left. The system could additionally work with driver aids like lane departures or connected infrastructure to provide warning of approaching collisions or traffic light changes. Hyundai has no immediate plans to produce the AR system, but Porsche is also planning to invest in WayRay, and Hyundai will continue to refine the technology.

Singapore Land Authority teams up with GeoSpock

Cambridge-based big data innovator GeoSpock is collaborating with Singapore Land Authority (SLA) to enable location intelligence and processing. Geoworks was introduced to create a vibrant geospatial ecosystem between businesses, entrepreneurs, and users, utilizing SLA’s OneMap datasets for geospatial visualization to accelerate business intelligence. The partnership will also use Geospock’s technology to provide 3D data processing and unique location intelligence. According to Richard Baker, CEO at GeoSpock: “The development of data science and geospatial analytics at scale for use across Singapore is critical to support the country as it innovates for the future and we are committed to their vision to advance spatial big data management and analytics, data science capabilities, and machine learning technologies.”

Planet acquires Boundless Spatial

The Earth observation company Planet plans to acquire the geospatial software specialist Boundless Spatial Inc. Planet’s U.S. government group will create the subsidiary Planet Federal, which will sell commercial products to meet U.S. government standards. Both Planet and Boundless spatial are mission-driven startups and share a cultural alignment which allows for a successful acquisition. Planet plans to launch 12 more Dove satellites on a Soyuz rocket from Vostochny Cosmodrome, and with help from Boundless, Planet’s satellite data will be easier for customers to access and analyze. The acquisition should be complete in two to three months.