The strategy of vertical segmentation continues to play a key role in the geospatial arena. Often referred to as “verticalization,” the vertical approach enables GIS users and solutions providers to focus on specific markets and applications. By leveraging geospatial technologies and software to create specialized solutions, developers can optimize fit to task and help users achieve high levels of value and productivity. The vertical approach also provides opportunities to develop new business and clients in applications where spatial information can improve decision processes and efficiency.

We can illustrate the vertical approach by looking at how utility companies use geospatial information. Utilities need specialized solutions to gather, analyze and share position and attribute data while meeting required levels of precision and detail. For example, electric and water utilities use GIS to locate and manage assets. In times of service outages, they can combine the GIS data with customer reports to pinpoint the location and cause of the trouble. These applications seem similar, but marked differences exist in the workflows and data. Electric crews can use meter-level data to locate poles, but water technicians may need centimeter precision to find valves in flooded streets. Creating solutions for the two segments involves leveraging the similarities while providing tools tailored to the different needs.

Although verticalization opens the door to using spatial information in a broad range of industries and disciplines, meeting a large number of specialized needs can tax the capabilities of manufacturers and software houses. This issue can be solved by using tools that enable users, service providers and independent developers to create new vertical solutions.

(more…)