Location intelligence is one of the most powerful new tools for businesses and organizations. Location intelligence, the process of collecting, analyzing and applying data about places, has been around for decades. However, the key factor of location intelligence is data - location intelligence is only as good as the geospatial data underlying it.

The amount and quality of geospatial data available has increased dramatically over the past 15 years with the proliferation of satellite and aerial imagery, GPS devices and other location technology. At the same time, computer processing power has increased exponentially. These developments have enabled companies to collect more accurate and detailed location data than ever before.

The rise of mobile devices has also created an explosion in geospatial data because mobile phones are essentially tracking devices that can provide information on where users are located at all times as long as they have a connection to a network like WiFi or cellular service provider.

How do we use this information? Retailers want to know how many customers walk into their stores each day; banks want to know how many people visit their branches; airports want to know how many passengers pass through security checkpoints; hospitals want to know where patients go after they leave emergency rooms; retailers want to know how many people walk into their stores each day; banks want to know how many people visit their branches; airports

A common misconception is that location intelligence is simply using maps to track movements of people or assets; however, location intelligence relies on much more than just maps. It requires a deep understanding of how geographic data impacts an organizationโ€™s business processes.

Different types of data have different strengths and weaknesses. Without accurate data, business decisions are based on assumptions or hunches; with accurate data, decisions are based on facts and figures. As more companies adopt location intelligence strategies in their business strategies, they will need to ensure that they have the right geospatial data to support those strategies.

Feature Posts