The types of companies reliant upon location data include well-known brands like Uber, Deliveroo, Airbnb; moreover, location technology will be core to the production of autonomous vehicles. The expected growth of these types of companies and machines has led the consultancy firm Navigant to predict the market will expand substantially over the next seven years.
The Navigant report notes discusses how the use of spatial data has increased to include advanced technologies such as application-based software, cloud computing, drones, mobile Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, spatial analytics, and Web based Geographic Information Systems.
These technologies support real-time situational awareness and anticipation of events that might disrupt the performance of a business. The biggest driver is the car industry, according to analysis by CCS Insight. Interviewed by the BBC, Martin Garner of tech consultants notes: “Developments in mapping are mainly being led by the transportation industry in its push towards intelligent and self-driving cars and trucks.”
A key trend with autonomous vehicles was with Audi, BMW Group and Daimler AG’s recent acquisition of digital mapping company HERE from Nokia for $3.1 billion. The three companies outbid Uber and each hold an equal share in the geolocation technology.
One source of data for U.K. based startups is Ordnance Survey. The organization was founded in 1745, originally to map territories within Scotland in the wake of the Jacobite rebellion. It is now an arm’s level British government body. In 2015 Ordnance Survey founded a Geovation hub, providing detailed maps in a variety of digital formats.
One startup that uses the hub is Openplay, which is setting out to develop a detailed list of leisure activities and venues across the U.K., including in church halls and community centers.
Maps have a long history and an intimate connection to human exploration and development. The next few decades show how maps will continue to be relevant, tied to innovations in connected technologies.
