GISCafe Industry Predictions for 2025 – Trimble

By Boris Skoljak, Vice President, Geospatial Sector at Trimble

Boris Skopljak

Geospatial data is enabling digital transformation in nearly every industry. Connectivity and interoperability will play a critical role in2025 as innovative methods of sharing and analyzing data increase the value of geospatial applications. Broader access to services, software and data via the cloud, as well as the rapid development of artificial intelligence for improved productivity, will further expand the utilization of geospatial information in new markets. In 2025, I predict technological developments in the following areas will support modeling our physical world in an accurate and detailed digital format for improved results throughout a project’s duration.

1. Connectivity/cloud – enabling universal access to geospatial data

Further development of the cloud in 2025 will allow a broader utilization of geospatial data across a number of industries by making data more easily accessible to facilitate collaboration and drive productivity. Surveyors and geospatial professionals will benefit from maintaining a single source of truth, while providing their customers with appropriate levels of access. Even non-technical users will be able to open a web browser, view a 3D model, add annotations and ask questions, forming a path for efficient communication.

On-site connectivity and interoperability between advanced devices in the field and backend office solutions will create connected data environments that increasingly support model-based collaboration across project lifecycles. Using IFC and other industry standards, we are moving from 2D/3D CAD drawings or discrete point, line, polygon geometry into a model- and object-based world. Model-based workflows contribute to smart sustainable construction by facilitating communication between the field and office workers, including machine guidance for enhanced coordination that eliminates multiple site visits and provides better digital site management.

Connected workflows will allow the geospatial industry to streamline processes for enhanced productivity and improve decision making based on near real-time data exchange. Tools like Trimble Connect allow customers with or without professional geospatial software to share, visualize, and communicate in 3D, while the recently announced Trimble RealityCapture Platform Service enables users to collaborate, share, store and manage large amounts of reality capture data.

2. Artificial intelligence (AI) – driving data insights

Development of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML)applications will continue to be a priority in 2025, as powerful data collection tools produce ever-larger quantities of location-based data.AI/ML dramatically accelerates activities such as point cloud classification and feature extraction by automating repetitive steps and processes. In addition to the time saved, the information gathered is more detailed and reliable than when the same task is performed manually. AI transforms data into actionable information to support better decision making.

For example, AI in survey CAD software can support analysis and problem solving for urban planning, highway maintenance, vegetation management, and many other valuable applications. Automated classification and feature extraction workflows can be based on a fusion of various AI techniques, including 3D and 2D deep learning, template matching, and computer vision. Fusing multiple AI methods provides flexibility and delivers outputs with premium quality.

3. Reality capture data – enhancing results with sensor fusion

The range of technology tools applicable to reality capture data is expanding as individual sensors become smaller, easier to use and more powerful. In addition, combining data from multiple sensors produces amore informed and accurate picture of the real world by leveraging the strengths of each. Users may choose a combination of tools withoutfacing compatibility and data transferability issues. Manufacturers are working together to enable seamless data flow across multiple environments.

Survey CAD software can combine data from a wide variety of sensors(SLAM, drones, mobile mapping scanners, etc.) to increase the overall reliability and robustness of the deliverables. Sensor fusion will continue to gain in importance as the benefits of comprehensive reality data for advanced artificial intelligence and IoT applications are realized, and valuable insights are applied to save time and money indesign, construction, operations and maintenance activities.

4. Innovative business models – meeting customer needs

The capital-intensive purchases of high-end systems can create a barrier for entry, which limits adoption of technology. A wider selection of business models will make technology and business processing innovations available to surveying and mapping professionals on their own terms. In addition to traditional buy, rent or lease, there is increasing flexibility with business models offering on-demand pay-per-use models and consumption (data used or area covered) models, as well as performance and productivity models.

For example, a flexible subscription plan for “positioning as a service” using Trimble Catalyst has a low-cost entry point and allows customers to select the level of accuracy they want to receive from correction services. Trimble also offers the option to purchase a Trimble X9 3D laser scanning system with a configurable hardware platform at a more affordable price. Customers can choose which configuration they need/want and pay for the corresponding firmware on a subscription basis. Over time, they can upgrade their firmware subscription as needed. Lower upfront costs and flexibility to scale expands access to premium technology to a broader range of users.

The benefits of innovative geospatial technology are clear to industry professionals. The great challenge is demonstrating the value of the data to everyone else through interoperable data workflows, easy-to-operate tools, intuitive models and accessible information. The continued development of IoT, the cloud and AI will help spread the word.

About the Author

As vice president for the geospatial sector at Trimble, Boris Skopljak is responsible for innovation in the company’s surveying, mapping and building construction field solutions, significantly contributing to Trimble’s market leadership in spatial data collection, processing, and analysis. Under Boris’ guidance, Trimble remains a trusted geospatial technology provider for millions of users globally across industries including transportation infrastructure, vertical construction, utilities, energy, mining, environmental resource management, defense and public safety.

With more than two decades of industry experience spanning roles in Europe and the United States, Boris began leading Trimble’s geospatial sector in 2023 after serving in a variety of product management, strategic marketing and business leadership roles since joining the company in 2011.

Boris holds a Dipl. Eng. Degree in Geodesy and Geoinformatics from University of Zagreb, Croatia, a MSc. Degree in Geodesy from the Ohio State University, and an MBA from the Daniels College of Business, University of Denver.

Tags: artificial intelligence, cloud, connectivity, geospatial data, innovative business models, reality capture, sensor fusion, subscription plans

Category: GIS Industry Predictios

This entry was posted on Friday, January 17th, 2025 at 9:02 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.