Introduction
STOP WITH THE SOLUTIONS. Start with the foundations.
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, problems arise – especially in the Geospatial and Geomatic Industries. We are confronted with an overwhelming array of options, including a deluge of information, software, and physical tools, all claiming to solve our problems. As someone who designs solutions for a living, I firmly believe that it’s time to end this cacophony of options and streamline the decision-making process for the benefit of the industry.
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 location relative to the road it analyzes. Moreover, it does not transfer data to any existing GIS infrastructure.
We are inundated with 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 necessary for them to be worth our time. It’s not just that these tools lack accuracy, but their limited scope makes them mere beginner’s tools 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 daily. However, with the overwhelming number of data solutions available in the market, it can be easy to invest in fancy tools built on the systems that should already be in place. This can lead to a lack of focus on the essential foundational elements for long-term success.
Just like in home construction, laying the proper foundations for your data house is essential. 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 You don’t want to run cables that will become outdated and require tearing down walls to replace.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 your organization’s needs, 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, like in home construction, to ensure long-term success. By carefully considering your organization’s needs and building a solid foundation, you can create a data infrastructure that will support your needs now and in the future. It’s time to streamline the decision-making process and prioritize essential foundational elements to drive the industry forward.