The demand for information is increasing constantly. Through the use of innovative tech combinations, geospatial professionals can now support their clients’ increasingly complex needs and processes
Working day and night, a group of machines races to harvest a farm’s crops, before an approaching storm damages the plants. In precise formation, the automated harvesters steer themselves, freeing the operator to monitor the onboard systems that gather the crop and record the yield. The yield data, combined with location, soil conditions and other information, is wirelessly delivered into a software that the farm operators use to create detailed plans for seeding, fertilisation and water needs for future crops. The plans then support automated machine guidance and control for plant-ing, spraying, monitoring and — completing the circle — harvesting.
Tech convergence
This scenario is not an imaginary or futuristic view. Rather, it describes the functions of precision agriculture – very much in use today across the world. It is just one of the many examples of how multiple technologies work together to collect, process and utilise geospatial information. Certainly, a new technology can be exciting and can even open doors to applications far beyond its developers’ original vision. Only rarely, however, does a single technology address a complex need or a problem.
Simplifying workflow
Drawing on its long history of working relationships with numerous transportation agencies and contractors, Trimble has developed a deep understanding of their processes, needs and challenges. For example, road and highway departments conduct regular inspections of their bridges and other infrastructure. A thorough bridge inspection might require several hours of field work by engineers,surveyors and technicians. During the inspection, the teams conduct measurements, take photographs and make written notes. The inspection may entail closing traffic lanes and accessing difficult or hazardous areas on and around the bridge structure, adding time and cost to the job. After the field work, the data and notes are compiled and entered into the appropriate logs and databases. Managers and engineers need to sift through the data to extract the information needed to determine and prioritise maintenance and repairs.
Cloud-based productivity
When the first cellular phones came to the market, many companies recognised the potential of wireless technologies and used SMS (text messaging) to communicate among field and office teams. As wireless Internet connectivity emerged and the volume of data grew, organisations began to incorporate cloud solutions into their enterprises. In addition to providing communications among stakeholders, Internet technologies offer tremendous power and flexibility in data processing, information management and enterprise operations. The result? The lines between field and office have blurred. Cloud technologies can play a key role in fulfilling the needs of an enterprise or organisation.
Blended systems for complex operations
As the complexity of work processes increases, so does the value of blended technologies. Because complex processes offer greater opportunities for savings and efficiency, companies with complicated operations stand to gain the most from blended systems
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