What is geospatial intelligence? A geographer explains the powerful melding of maps and data

Source: The post is based on the article “What is geospatial intelligence? A geographer explains the powerful melding of maps and data” published in “The Hindu” on 29th September 2023.

What is the News?

Geospatial intelligence has offered valuable insights to help governments and organizations to protect communities from natural disasters.

What is Geospatial Intelligence?

Geospatial intelligence is the collection and integration of data from a network of technologies, including satellites, mobile sensors, ground-control stations and aerial images.

The data is then used to produce real-time maps and simulations to help identify when, where and to what extent a threat is likely to emerge.

Government officials, individuals or both can use this information to make informed decisions.

The geospatial intelligence industry is projected to grow from a US$61 billion enterprise in 2020 to more than $209 billion in 2030.

What are the applications of Geospatial Intelligence?

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Geospatial intelligence aids in monitoring and responding to disasters, like tropical cyclones, by providing information on their location and strength.

– It supports search-and-rescue efforts, assesses damage, and helps in resource allocation during emergencies.

Environmental Monitoring: Geospatial intelligence monitors environmental factors like temperature, precipitation, and polar ice to anticipate disturbances.

– This data is crucial for preparing for events like heatwaves, which can impact human safety and security.

Conflict and Security: Geospatial intelligence contributes to security by tracking and reporting on events like the Russian-Ukraine war through satellite imagery.

– Commercial satellite companies now provide vital public information, extending the role of geospatial intelligence in transparency.

Transportation and Logistics: Geospatial intelligence enhances transportation, logistics, and global supply chains by utilizing GPS data.

– It provides real-time information on ship and cargo locations, improving efficiency and reliability.

Autonomous Vehicles and Urban Planning: High-resolution imagery aids in the development of autonomous vehicles and smarter urban planning.

– It helps detect features on the ground, such as bicycle lanes and traffic direction, for safer and more efficient communities.

Use in development, implementation and evaluation of digital twins: Digital twins are virtual representations of real systems – buildings or cities, for example – that mimic the systems’ characteristics and can be updated in real time to reflect changing conditions in the systems.

– Digital twins are being used in many civilian and military settings to improve decision making.They are useful for modeling changes and predicting outcomes. 

– Digital twins have been highly effective in conflict settings by simulating weather and terrain to help militaries and peacekeepers develop and enact strategies.

What is the significance of Geospatial Intelligence in today’s world?

The need for geospatial intelligence is more important than ever. 

Average temperature is projected to increase between 2 to 9.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 to 5.4 degrees Celsius) by the end of the century. 

The global population is expected to reach 11 billion by 2100, and urban areas are becoming denser and more prone to disasters. 

Whether reconstructing the past, describing the present or anticipating the future, geospatial intelligence provides valuable information to help keep people and communities safe.