Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/99375
Industry Trends the process of using spatial operators on a variety of geospatial datasets (e.g., imagery, terrain and features) to create an information product. This involves using a set of procedures that simulates real-world conditions within a geospatial application, using the spatial relationships of geographic features and their attributes. Steven Woolven: I believe the answer is a qualified ���yes.��� We have seen numerous examples of geotechnology playing an important role in studying a problem and creating a viable solution. For example, the floodplain analysis conducted after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005 utilized geotechnology/remote sensing to measure the extent of the flooded areas and determine the amount of land and infrastructure affected. The data also proved essential for the redesign and rebuilding of the levy system. When Hurricane Isaac hit the same region in 2012, the new levies significantly reduced the extent of the flooding. Similar work through the years has been done in the United Kingdom on understanding the impact of heavy rains on flooding of low-lying areas. I say the answer is a qualified ���yes,��� however, because the important data geotechnology produces need to be available and accessible by scientists who can use them to enhance their work. The data need to get into the right hands at the right time, and this can be a challenge. There can be political boundaries to cross, and there can simply be a lack of awareness that the data exist. With consolidation and increased competition, what���s the future of the commercial remote-sensing industry? Dan Adams: There will be an expectation by consumers that high-quality imagery is available for all geographies at a very low cost. The challenge will be the back-end economics for content creators to find channels to market and paths to revenue that allow them to stay in business. This will likely be achieved through a combination of governments funding the collection of high-end, full-spectrum data and private industry commercializing the infrastructure to make imagery available to the private market at a reasonable cost. Carey Mann: If the industry is defined in its broadest context, the future looks very strong for the companies participating in this market. It���s already a market typified by rapid change and constant innovation. 24 G E O W O R L D / D E C E M B E R 2 O 1 2 Today, we���re witnessing a revolution in production and use of remotely captured imagery. Resolutions are factors better, opening up many new potential use cases. The European Union, India and others offer alternative satellite-imagery sources. Orthophotography is ubiquitous, cheap, frequently updated, and seemingly covering every square inch of the planet. Even commissioned work is becoming ���boutique easy,��� with drones and other devices enabling costeffective micro-projects. Laser-scanning workflows, through myriad airborne and terrestrial devices, are creating other new application possibilities. More importantly, there has been a complete democratization in the consumption of remotely sensed information. To be sure, a core market remains for traditional geospatial and engineering workflows. But, as the iPhone 5 map app fiasco illustrates, consumers expect and demand timely, high-quality, accurate imagery. They want it right, and they want it right now. And they will be the real drivers of demand and innovation going forward.