“We will need mechanisms to gauge the lineage and veracity of decisions made based on geospatial data and technologies, and in all likelihood, these mechanisms will take a form of governance and regulation that currently does not exist, says Joseph Seppi, Senior Vice President, Woolpert in an exclusive interview.
Where do you think geospatial is headed in the next 5 years?
The integration of AI and ML into core geospatial processes, also known as GeoAI, is accelerating. Although the sky is the limit in terms of applicability, the maturity curve and end-state embeddedness for the geospatial industry remains to be seen. Within the next five years, AI and ML will be embedded in countless tools the industry uses to collect, process, and analyze geospatial data.
What would be the core future application areas?
We already have the capability for precise spatial analytics, but the entire process gets limited due to velocity and volume of raw input data. Newer possibilities will surface when overhead platforms persistently deliver real-time, high-resolution data to AI and ML models in the cloud.
Those with access to this information will be able to minimize hazards, improve crop yields, reduce pollution, and generally navigate the physical world more efficiently. Unlike any other digital information, geospatial data is not immune to the same alternate representations and interpretations. Consumers already have many choices in where they get geospatial data, analytical outputs, and interpretations.
What would be the impact of Generative AI on the geospatial sector?
Generative AI is expected to usher new ways to move from observation to action, bypassing mapping processes and digital geospatial information as we know it. Meanwhile, AI and ML would be used as assistive technology in many geospatial processes. We will need mechanisms to gauge the lineage and veracity of decisions made based on geospatial data and technologies, and in all likelihood, these mechanisms will take a form of governance and regulation that currently does not exist.
Though there are existing resources to capture high-resolution 3D spatial data, they are allocated primarily to project work. Due to variable government procurement cycles or discontinuous areas of interest, wide-area, high-resolution coverage rarely happens.
What is the role of mapping in socio-economic development?
There is no alternative to accurate, timely mapping for economic development and stability. Updated digital maps are extremely valuable to support critical societal functions such as land administration, natural resource management, infrastructure design, delivery of goods and services, and emergency management.
A marketplace for raw pixels and point clouds is much needed. It will encourage the industry to collect data continuously, leading to increased velocity and volume, and lower cost.
How do you build a dynamic geospatial ecosystem?
To build a geospatial ecosystem, there is a need for digital twins that maintain fidelity to the real 3D world. Updates to digital twins and HD maps depend on timely observation and inputs, but the mechanisms for this real-time collection, especially from overhead observation are lacking. From updating digital twins in Singapore to regenerating 30-year-old topographic maps of Africa, we understand the criticality of geospatial tech and data.
