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.
