Most important geospatial advancements of 2014? What do you think?

We’re almost at the end of the year and we’d like to hear from you, the readers, about what you think the most important geospatial advancements have been for 2014.

Esri CityEngine allows users to visualize both qualitative and quantitative impact of design scenarios, perfect for the integrative planning needs of those looking to develop vibrant, sustainable communities.

There have been many advancements that have emerged from the realm of “maybe” to real possibilities, but which ones are most important in the long run? Which ones will stick with us and really provide value to the GIS user?

Phoenix

This year we have seen drones come on the scene in a a big way, pushing for FAA regulations that are built just for them. Indoor/outdoor mapping is beginning to move along, and the ways in which we can gather geographic information have multiplied enormously, bringing with them a great deal of ease in managing and preparing digestible data. Sensors are being used in more ways than we ever envisioned. There is a convergence of technologies — the data-centric perspective of GIS plus the CAD-centric view of AEC coming together in big infrastructure projects where each plays a necessary role in realizing a more global vision for the future’s communities.

Computing power is no longer limited; crowdsourced data now has some credibility, and information access to LiDAR, aerial and satellite imagery have changed the way geospatial is being used. Sustainable design is utilizing asset management, architectural, construction, land management and geospatial.

Trimble UX5

I have a few questions such as:

1) Is geospatial software easier to use now, as many vendors claim? If so, what products are easier to use and how do you use them?

2) How many users are actually making good use of crowdsourcing data?

3) Do you think satellite imagery will be replaced in part by the use of drones and 3D laser scanned data? Trimble  just received word from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that they have granted an exemption that will allow the company to conduct commercial operation of its Trimble® UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution in the U.S.

4) Have you noticed that any costs have come down for the computing of Geospatial data?

5) Has the cloud made a significant difference in the way computing is conducted and how much data can be managed and utilized?

The technologies we use today are possible because of the computing power we now have. Data that was once inaccessible is now accessible with the advent of the cloud and new data collection devices and software.

We move into 2015 with an impressive wealth of new capabilities that hopefully will flower into new possibilities. Let us know what has changed your life geographically and technologically this past year!

Tags: ArcGIS, Autodesk, Bentley Systems, cloud, crowdsourcing, ESRI, geospatial, GIS, Google, Google Maps, Infrastructure, LiDAR, location, mapping, maps, mobile, NASA, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, NOAA, remote sensing, satellite imagery, social media

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 18th, 2014 at 9:13 am. 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.