| | NOVEMBER 20189CIOReviewin the field of GIS. A recent report by Bryce Space & Technology noted a 53 percent increase in satellites launched between 2012-2016, averaging 144 launches per year. Advances in imaging and radar deliver higher resolution outputs and three-dimensional renderings, in some cases independent of cloud cover. As a result, we can now understand the location of ships, levels of reserves in oil terminals, forest health, construction progress, impact of natural disasters, car and foot traffic, and much more--in near-real time. What advantages can be created using this new data? Let's look at a few examples: · Understanding global oil supply Businesses are using new data to understand the massive, complex global oil markets. Machine learning techniques can be used on imagery to estimate weekly crude oil inventories otherwise not reported; monitors on tankers reveal proximity to ports and refineries. Together with an understanding of refining capacities, this data offers a timely view into global supply. Layering on advanced demand forecasts accounting for weather, economic growth and consumption trends, traders are gaining new predictive insights into the future price of petroleum products. · Maximizing the impact and returns of renewable powerAdvances in photovoltaics--the process of converting sunlight to electricity--wind turbine efficiency and large-scale battery storage efficiency have unlocked the viability of renewable power sources. GIS data is being employed to inform site selection to maximize impact. For example, imagery can be used to identify areas with high recurring solar exposure, suitable slope and terrain, and proximity to low-voltage transmission lines, roads and populated areas while avoiding conservation areas. Machine learning algorithms can be used to identify the pitch and surface conditions of commercial roofs, identifying the best candidates for rooftop commercial installations. Similar conditions apply to siting of wind farms using factors such as typical wind speeds and directions. All of those are helping bright down the cost of renewable power and accelerating the shift to clean energy sources. · Gaining advantages in insurance underwritingSavvy insurance companies are improving their underwriting practices using detailed imagery. An understanding of changing climate as well as forestation and underbrush levels help predict the likelihood of wildfires. Detailed topographical analysis dramatically improves upon ancient or incomplete flood zone maps previously used to price flood insurance products. In both cases, GIS is becoming an intrinsic part of risk modelling which gives insurance companies the knowledge to price the policies according to the risk they are undertaking.· Mastering markets with custom demographicsBusinesses now use GIS to answer the question of "what do my markets look like?" by building custom demographic tapestries within drive time areas around their locations. Demographic information, including historical and projected data, combines with road infrastructure and traffic data to define detailed trade areas for analyzing market potential, market penetration, and competitive threats. Gaps and overlaps in market coverage drive decision making for closing or opening additional locations.Every industry is now a technology industry, and every company a technology company. Your grocer, your cabbie, even your local pizza shop all use data to tailor and promote services, identify prospects, and inform their strategy. If you run into a company not thinking of themselves that way, my guess is they won't be around for long.Those who master this information first will be rewarded. Are you leveraging data fully, or are you destined for irrelevance?
< Page 8 | Page 10 >