A new report from the Geospatial Commission is highlighting the growing use of matching of geospatial and location data with 8 key emerging technologies, including artificial Intelligence (AI), 3D scanners and immersive technologies.
he report, Future Technologies Review, funded by the Geospatial Commission and published by PUBLIC, analyses commercial opportunities for the use of geospatial data, considers the maturity of each technology in the UK, and provides numerous case studies and success stories.
The report says that according to the most recent global ‘Geospatial Readiness Index’, the UK’s geospatial technology sector is recognised as the second most developed in the world, only behind the US.
Data Analytics and AI start-ups represent the area of greatest recent growth within the sector. “With a significant increase in the number of geospatial data sources available from remote sensors, bottom-up sensors and smart devices, investors are beginning to appreciate the potential value of companies that can translate this data into meaningful use cases.” the report says.
Location data is a valuable tool for both the public and private sector - launched in 2017, the Geospatial Commission has been supported by £80 million of funding to drive the move to use this data more productively.
The work builds on wider Cabinet Office plans for cross-government digital transformation, including a new Technology Innovation Strategy, launched in June, which sets out the government’s approach to boosting the adoption of new technologies across the public sector.
The review provides a maturity assessment covering current, emerging and future status for the following technologies:
- Cameras, imaging and sensing
- Unmanned vehicle systems and drones
- Survey, measurement and 3d scanning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Smart sensors and the Internet of Things
- Immersive technologies
- Simulation
- Connectivity
Sir Andrew Dilnot, Chair of the Geospatial Commission, said:
“I welcome this report published today which gives us a better understanding of the maturity of eight technologies and how they are likely to impact the future geospatial sector, which is rapidly growing.
“It also outlines opportunities geospatial technologies provide to the UK, with insights into the investment landscape and snapshot case studies for external audiences who have not yet engaged with the geospatial community.”
Dan Korski CBE, CEO and Co-Founder of PUBLIC , an organisation that helps technology start-ups work better with the public sector, added:
“Geospatial data and technology has the capability to drastically improve public services, from the way we manage transport in cities to how we plan smart energy policy.
“The UK government is only at the beginning of its journey in exploiting these new technologies for the benefit of citizens and service providers alike. We look forward to seeing the impact of this report in the policy and projects to come.”
Click here to download Future Technologies Review
Albion Water, the first NAV (New Appointment & Variation) to have been established in1999 and now under the ownership of SDS Water Group, has appointed Andy Holland as its new Director of Business Development.
UK water companies are invited to join an upcoming webinar which will explore how the sector can take indirect potable reuse (IPR) from concept to full-scale operational reality.
James Sumsion, CEO of predictive water intelligence specialists Kohtari, says the water sector needs to take a giant leap forward, so that it can anticipate and act upon water quality issues - rather than merely react.
Ray Moulds, Sales Director at Flood Control International, takes a look at how automated sliding floodgates are supporting secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.