How will real-time inputs, and the increasing number of sensors,
impact the geospatial industry? Written by Matt Ball , Sensors
and systems For decades the lack of geospatial data was a
barrier to geographic information system expansion and adoption.
While obtaining high-quality spatial data continues to be a
challenge, the problems of a lack of available data has quickly
turned into the need to manage a glut of information. With the
number of sensors and platforms growing exponentially, the data
deluge will only increase in pace. The ability of geospatial
technology to make sense of all of this data will prove to be of
wide benefit to increasing number of end users. However, the old
model of mapping and spatial analysis professionals at the hub
of insight won’t apply, instead there will be services and
automated systems that feed a broader understanding of place.
It’s helpful to put the number of sensing devices and platforms
into perspective: - the number of earth observation satellites
continues to rise, w