Humans have tried to map the world around them for tens of thousands of years. Today, technology allows for the most detailed, in-depth geographical visualizations possible via geospatial mapping.
A geospatial map utilizes multiple data types to make it applicable for multiple purposes and industries, including logistics, urban planning, and environmental sciences. When used in tandem with expertise from leading companies like Tracking Technologies, geospatial mapping can transform raw data into actionable insights.
Understanding Geospatial Mapping
What is geospatial mapping? Geospatial mapping technology combines geographical data—data about an area’s physical properties—with other data types to create bespoke visualizations. Data may include topographical data, such as the height of hills, depth of valleys, and other terrain features. But data can also include ZIP codes, population information, or details of local businesses.
When drivers utilize a satellite navigation system, the map they follow is created via geospatial mapping. The data here includes geographical features and local landmarks. However, there’s usually also real-time data such as road traffic information and other factors that could help suggest alternative routes.
Organizations may utilize geospatial mapping technology for multiple purposes, from understanding where customers are most active to monitoring delivery drivers. Creating maps from relevant data helps businesses see patterns within that data — driving better-informed decisions.
How Does Geospatial Mapping Work?
A geospatial map requires accurate data collation, processing, and visualization. The systems used to handle this data manipulation are often called Geographic Information Systems or GIS. Let’s take a look at each stage of the GIS and how the end result is a detailed geospatial map.
Data Collection
The first and most vital step in geospatial mapping is gathering accurate spatial data. Ground-based sensors, GPS trackers and locators, and visual satellites are all components in gathering the right geographical data for a specific area. GIS may also collect industry-specific data. For example, environmental scientists may use additional sensors to collect temperature, wind speed, or water quality data.
Data Processing
Once the right data is collected and stored, advanced software processes this data, integrating it into digital maps and visualizations. Complex data integration algorithms may be required here, as well as data cleansing and transformation processes.
Visualization and Analysis
Creating detailed maps is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the possibilities of geospatial mapping. GIS can visualize multiple types of data, showing patterns over time or distance, tracking the movements of assets, or predicting future events based on historical data. Many GIS constantly stream data for live, real-time updates to maps and visualizations.
Visualizing data in this way means that more people across an organization can access the relevant insights. While data scientists are necessary in the early stages of data collation and analysis, the results are far more accessible and actionable.
Key Features of Geospatial Mapping Technology
Every GIS system will have its own industry-specific focus. Here are some of the most common key features of geospatial mapping platforms.
Real-Time Location Tracking
One of the most common features of geospatial maps is the ability to track assets — from a single user to a fleet of vehicles. GPS technology is connected to an asset, either as a separate tracker or an embedded device. These trackers send location information directly to the system that produces the map to show accurate, real-time updates of the location of that asset.
Maps can highlight the location of personnel — ideal for tracking security teams or anyone carrying sensitive materials. They can also highlight vehicles, deliveries of goods, or even high-value retail items.
Layering and Detailed Views
Some systems may create multiple levels of maps, allowing the layering of data for different views. Think about a popular satellite navigation app — you can choose to see a full satellite view with every detail or a simplified, street-only view. This is only possible by integrating multiple layers of data into each visualization.
Spatial Analysis Tools
Advanced visualization of spatial data leads to the possibility of continuous and in-depth analysis of that data. Environmental scientists, for example, might see the various layers of topography, weather patterns, and temperature. However, with the right tools, they can also see patterns and how those patterns change over time.
From here, it’s just one step more to making predictions about future patterns. In this way, technology can help plan for disasters like floods, storms, or even forest fires. Businesses and communities can prepare for events far ahead of time, leading to more positive outcomes for all.
How Geospatial Mapping Helps in Fleet Management
As well as aiding in the sciences, geospatial mapping is a major part of most businesses thanks to its critical role in fleet management. At least 83% of organizations utilize some form of telematics or tracking for their corporate or business fleets. Here are just a few ways geospatial mapping technology makes fleet management more efficient.
Efficient Route Planning
Planning routes ahead of time is essential for fuel optimization and reducing driver stress. Geospatial maps help by allowing fleet managers and drivers to plot an efficient route and provide real-time updates if anything changes. A road traffic incident could cause a major delay, for example. An effective geospatial-based system will highlight the incident and suggest a viable diversion.
Vehicle and Asset Tracking
Here at Tracking Technologies, we work with companies across multiple verticals to track assets ranging from vehicles to high-value consumer goods. These trackers, often embedded directly into fleet vehicles or other assets for additional security, continuously send visible location information via a geospatial mapping system. Users can see the real-time location of the assets on an app or computer-based software as required. These trackers help ensure driver safety, protect assets, and help locate them if theft occurs.
Enhanced Safety with Geofencing
Combining GPS trackers with geospatial mapping technology allows organizations to create geofences. Geofencing is the creation of a virtual boundary, using the map to delineate exactly what’s inside and outside of this barrier. When a vehicle or other asset moves outside the geofenced area, an alert is sent, allowing administrators or fleet managers to investigate.
Applications of Geospatial Mapping Across Industries
Fleet management is just one application for geospatial map technologies. As more industries become aware of the benefits of data visualization, expect to see GIS expand into many more sectors. Here are just a few areas where geospatial mapping is already well-utilized.
Logistics and Transportation
Logistics companies utilize geospatial mapping technology for route optimization, driver monitoring, and a range of safety features. Combining GPS tracking technology with geospatial maps helps with theft prevention — for example, companies that utilize trailers may use trackers to show real-time location updates on a geospatial map.
Urban and Environmental Planning
Urban planners face increasing challenges ranging from ballooning populations to extreme weather patterns. Geospatial data can highlight population hotspots where drainage needs improvement and even areas requiring more services. A detailed geospatial survey could highlight a community not served by public transport. Transit providers can use this data to make changes that serve the area better while potentially increasing their profits.
Geospatial data can also show areas where pollution is an issue and correlating data such as impacts on local flora and fauna. Multi-layered maps can help local government officials, environmental scientists, or conservationists collaborate on common goals that benefit everyone.
Healthcare and Emergency Services
With GPS tracking and geospatial maps, emergency service providers can send out ambulances faster or dispatch rescue teams to the right area with the right equipment. However, geospatial data does more than locate those in need of assistance. Mapping the progress of an infection onto a map could quickly highlight where an outbreak has started and the areas most at risk. This could help local authorities plan quarantines, where necessary, that cause as little disruption as possible.
Steps to Implement Geospatial Mapping for Your Business
Geospatial mapping has several applications, both for infrastructure as a whole and for the expansion of corporate entities. If you think your business could benefit from geospatial mapping technology, here are the steps to take:
- Identify Your Needs: Determine what type of data visualization and mapping capabilities your business needs.
- Choose the Right Tools: Select mapping software and relevant tracking devices, like those offered by Tracking Technologies, that align with your goals.
- Gather and Integrate Data: Ensure you have systems in place to gather data from your GPS trackers and other sources such as Internet of Things (IoT) based sensors or public databases.
- Visualize and Analyze Data: Invest in tools that visualize the data you need and create maps that help you make faster, smarter business decisions.
Choosing the right business partner for your tracking technologies is a major step in leveraging the benefits of geospatial mapping technology.
Why Choose Tracking Technologies for Geospatial Mapping?
Tracking Technologies is a market leader in technologies connected to geospatial mapping. Our tracking solutions help complete your geospatial systems, whatever your specific needs.
We can tailor any of our solutions to meet your requirements. Talk to our team about embedded and fully integrated GPS trackers that allow you or your end users to track assets continuously throughout their lifecycles.
You’ll also gain access to advanced features like geofencing and real-time, reliable location data. We’re always on hand to offer comprehensive support with any challenges you might face.
Most importantly, our tracking solutions grow with you. Whatever your needs, whether you’re investing in urban planning or scaling up a designer goods emporium, we’ll provide you with the units you need to meet stakeholder or customer expectations.
Harnessing the Power of Geospatial Mapping
GIS and mapping technologies empower organizations to build better infrastructure, run tighter logistics routes, and make smarter decisions. The geospatial mapping analytics market is set to grow to a value of $157.8 billion by 2029, highlighting just how many industries are shifting to rely on this technology. As emerging technologies like AI make geospatial mapping even more versatile, you must have a partner to help you make the most of these advancements.
Invest in solutions from trusted experts like Tracking Technologies and transform your location-based data into powerful insight to drive business-wide efficiency and innovation. Get in touch to learn more.
