GISCafé Industry Predictions for 2024 – EOS Data Analytics

By Vasyl Cherlinka, Soil Scientist, EOS Data Analytics

From Field to Future: How GIS Will Reshape Agriculture in 2024

Vasyl Cherlinka

As we step in the year 2024, the GIS industry can expect evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, technological transformations. Over the years, we have consistently witnessed significant advancements in this area, yet the forthcoming changes, though incremental, can be considered to be pivotal.

The most exciting aspect of this evolution is the imminent integration of data silos in sophisticated systems leveraging the power of GIS in new and innovative ways. One particular industry that will be affected most in this regard is agriculture, which will get profound benefits from transforming data into actionable insights that drive efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.

Emergence of Global Information System

The GIS industry is expecting a leap forward with the introduction of another GIS, a Global Information System. Unlike its predecessors, this new kind of system will unite diverse data types, most of which are inherently tied to geographical coordinates.

Imagine synthesizing data from satellite imagery, sensor networks, weather patterns, and even market trends – all geo-tagged for precise analysis. This comprehensive approach will enable organizations all over the world to make more informed decisions related to disaster management, agriculture, forest preservation and so much more.

This transformation will be driven by several factors. One is the advancement in cloud computing. Cloud-based GIS solutions already offer unparalleled scalability and flexibility, enabling the processing and interpretation of massive datasets that were previously unmanageable.

Another significant driver is the recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. AI algorithms, when integrated with GIS, empower the system to not only store and process geographic data but also to learn from it. This learning capability is crucial in predicting crop yields, identifying new resource extraction opportunities, and even foreseeing market demands based on environmental factors.

This transformation aligns with the larger trend towards digitalization and data-driven strategies in modern businesses.

The Flourishing of Agriculture through Advanced GIS

In the realm of contemporary Geographic Information Systems, there’s a growing trend toward leveraging advanced computer technologies to integrate detailed terrain models with both static and dynamic data. This fusion of cartographic materials, economic indicators, statistics, and remote sensing data already helps make agricultural practices more effective.

In soil science and agronomy, this integration goes a step further by incorporating soil sample analysis from various depths and sensor data that provide information on specific field sections and even individual plants. This comprehensive aggregation of data creates a robust foundation not only for modeling current soil characteristics, crop yield parameters, and quality of agricultural produce but also for forecasting these factors with high precision. The more detailed the collected information, the more effective and accurate the predictions.

One of the most striking applications of this approach is in modeling carbon sequestration by soils, which plays a critical role in combating global warming. By accurately tracking and predicting the carbon absorption capacity of different soils, GIS technologies can inform and optimize strategies for reducing atmospheric carbon levels. This has immense implications for environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation, the two key areas EOS Data Analytics focuses on.

Another significant application is in predicting future crop yields. This capability is vital for ensuring sufficient raw material supply for the industry and food products for human consumption. Allowing to accurately forecast yields, GIS data enables better planning and management in the agricultural sector, reducing the risks of crop failures and food shortages.

The data-driven approach facilitated by advanced GIS technologies represents a paradigm shift in agriculture. It allows for more precise and efficient farming practices, better resource management, and a deeper understanding of environmental impacts. As GIS continues to evolve, its role in shaping the future of agriculture becomes increasingly significant, offering promising solutions to some of the most pressing challenges faced by the industry and the planet.

Precision Agriculture and the Future of Farming

The implementation of GIS technologies in agriculture also catalyzes the development of precision agriculture systems. This advancement is particularly significant in the context of increasing aridification of the climate and the global phenomenon of soil degradation. While a full transition to robotic farming might not be realized in 2024, the trajectory toward this future is already evident and gaining momentum.

Precision agriculture represents a transformative approach to farming, where decisions are driven by data obtained from GIS systems. This data-driven method allows for the precise application of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, tailored to the specific needs of each plot and even individual plants. This level of precision not only increases crop yields and quality but also significantly reduces the environmental impact of farming practices by minimizing the overuse of resources and chemicals.

The role of GIS in combating climate challenges like aridification is particularly noteworthy. By providing detailed data on soil moisture levels, terrain characteristics, and weather patterns, GIS enables farmers to adapt their practices to increasingly unpredictable environmental conditions. This is crucial for maintaining crop yields in regions facing severe climate change impacts.

Moreover, the trend towards soil degradation poses a significant threat to global food security. Here, GIS technologies offer a solution by enabling better soil management practices. Through detailed soil analysis, farmers can identify degraded areas and apply targeted interventions to restore soil health, ensuring the sustainability of their land for future generations.

Bottom Line

As we at EOS Data Analytics look to the future, there’s a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the GIS industry. The incremental advancements we anticipate in 2024 continue our journey toward a more connected, data-driven world.

The integration of GIS across various sectors, especially agriculture, holds the promise of a more efficient and sustainable future. As we continue to innovate and evolve, the current industry progress inspires us all to look forward to a world enriched by the power of geospatial information and analytics.

About the author:

Vasyl Cherlinka has over 30 years of experience in agronomy and pedology (soil science). He is a Doctor of Biosciences with a specialization in soil science.

Dr. Cherlinka attended the engineering college in Ukraine (1989-1993), went on to deepen his expertise in agrochemistry and agronomy in the Chernivtsi National University in the specialty, “Agrochemistry and soil science”.

Category: Industry Predictions

This entry was posted on Monday, January 15th, 2024 at 3:57 pm. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.