Introduction
Humans are incredibly innovative and have an impressive track record of devising solutions to the challenges we encounter in our daily lives. Yet, with every solution, a new set of problems arises – and this is especially true in the Geospatial and Geomatic Industry. We are confronted with an overwhelming array of options, including a deluge of information, software tools, and physical tools, all claiming to solve the problems we face. As someone who designs solutions for a living, I firmly believe that it’s time to put an end to this cacophony of options and streamline the decision-making process for the benefit of the industry as a whole.
What set me off
Recently, I came across a product claiming to offer “Asset Management” solutions by capturing data from a mobile device’s camera and creating an analysis of traveling surfaces. However, to my surprise, this so-called solution is far from what it claims to be. It only deals with one asset and does not even know its exact location relative to the road it’s analyzing. Moreover, it does not transfer data to any existing GIS infrastructure.
The fact is, we are inundated with such tools that claim to offer a solution to a common problem, like road surface analytics or street sign collection and condition. However, the real problem lies in the abundance of these tools, built on very foundational tools that are necessary for them to be worth our time. It’s not just that these tools lack accuracy, but their limited scope makes them a mere beginner’s tool that cannot deliver much value.
Starting with Foundations is Essiential
Regardless of your profession or position within an organization, you likely use data in some capacity on a daily basis. However, with the overwhelming number of data solutions available in the market, it can be easy to invest in fancy tools that are built on the very systems that should already be in place. This can lead to a lack of focus on the essential foundational elements needed for long-term success.
Just like in home construction, it’s important to lay the proper foundations for your data-house. For example, when running wires in a house, you carefully consider the needs of each room and place access points accordingly. You don’t want to run cables that will become outdated and require tearing down walls to replace. Similarly, in the world of data, it’s crucial to build a strong foundation that will support the needs of your organization not just today, but well into the future.
To Keep it Short
The Geospatial and Geomatic Industry is facing an overwhelming number of tools and solutions, making it difficult for professionals to make informed decisions about the best solutions for their needs. As a result, many are investing in tools that lack accuracy and are built on the very foundational tools that should already be in place. It’s essential to lay the proper foundations for your data-house, just like in home construction, to ensure long-term success. By carefully considering the needs of your organization and building a strong foundation, you can create a data infrastructure that will support your needs both now and in the future. It’s time to streamline the decision-making process and prioritize essential foundational elements to drive the industry forward.