What is meant by geospatial solutions today? And how can they help us? Here is a brief overview of the application fields of geospatial solutions today.

Geospatial refers to anything related to the location or position of objects, features, or phenomena on the Earth’s surface. In simpler terms, it’s all about understanding where things are in the world and how they relate to each other in space.

What are geospatial solutions?

Geospatial solutions are software tools and technologies that analyze, manage, and visualize geographic data. Geospatial solutions leverage geospatial data (data tied to a specific location) to provide insights and decision-making support.

When speaking about geospatial solutions, the first thing that comes to the majority’s mind is the GPS navigation systems technology. For sure, this is a good example. We all can use it on our smartphones, so its utility does not have to be proven.

However, the application scope of geospatial solutions can be much more widespread. They can be handy in many industries, including agriculture, urban planning, transportation, logistics, and environmental management.

How can geospatial solutions impact your business?

Here are a few examples to answer the question, but we will deepen the discussion in future articles.

In precision agriculture, geospatial technology can provide support to improve crop and livestock management, map soil types, analyze weather patterns, and track animal movements [1].

In urban planning, geospatial solutions give instruments to analyze and plan urban development, including zoning, transportation systems, and emergency response integrating data from different sources and using several spatial tools to evaluate alternative scenarios [2].

In natural resource management, geospatial technology helps to monitor natural resources, including forests, waterways, and wildlife habitats [3].

In emergency management, geospatial solutions provide tools to respond to natural disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires, by mapping the damage extension, identifying the riskiest areas, and coordinating rescue and relief efforts [4].

What a geospatial solution may include

Geospatial solutions may include geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing technologies, and services built on the specific geographic data available for that context (also known as Location Based Services – LBS). 

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is the most popular geospatial solution. It enables users to capture, store, analyze, and display geospatial data on a map.

Remote sensing technologies, such as satellite imagery and aerial photography, help to collect geospatial data from large areas, providing valuable insights into environmental changes, natural resource management, and disaster response efforts.

Location-based services are services that exploit geospatial data to provide tools to visualize them on a map in a particular way, analyze them, and understand spatial patterns and relationships using, for example, heat maps and 3D models.

In conclusion

Overall, geospatial solutions are valuable tools for businesses, governments, and organizations looking to make data-driven decisions and gain insights into geographic patterns and trends.

Our company focuses its business entirely on geospatial solutions. We have been developing GIS software for over 20 years to create innovation for companies and territories. If you want to know more, look at the rest of the website, or – if you think we can help to step up your business – contact us.

References

[1] Lal, R., & Stewart, B. A. (Eds.). (2018). Soil Health and Intensification of Agroecosystems. CRC Press. (pp. 101-119 “Geospatial Technology Applications in Precision Agriculture” by A. Sarker, P. K. Kalita)

[2] Batty, M., & Torrens, P. M. (2001). Geographical information systems and urban planning. In P. Longley, M. F. Goodchild, D. J. Maguire, & D. W. Rhind (Eds.), Geographical information systems: principles, techniques, management and applications (pp. 703-720). John Wiley & Sons.

[3] Jensen, J. R., & Cowen, D. J. (Eds.). (1999). Remote sensing of urban and suburban areas. John Wiley & Sons.

[4] Kutz, M., & Straub, J. (Eds.). (2019). Geospatial Technologies and Geography Education in a Changing World: Geospatial Practices and Lessons Learned. Springer.