9.1: Introduction to Emerging Trends

9.1: Introduction to Emerging Trends dxb45

With increasing amounts of geospatial, imagery, and business information, a new paradigm is needed to develop location intelligence assessments. Geospatial analysts need the knowledge and capabilities that allow them to spend less time preparing foundational databases and more time analyzing and understanding the activities, relationships, and patterns discovered from primary sources.

Investments in mobile technology, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), connected sensors of the Internet of Things (IoT), and indoor analytics create intelligent systems to improve situational awareness, solve complex problems, and identify interconnected location factors for business decision making.

Recommended Reading:

The first article highlights technology trends identified in July 2025 by the McKinsey Technology Council in their role as a leading consulting business. This provides a detailed overview of technology trends as well as industry effects.

The second article provides a current perspective of applying technology, geography, and Location Intelligence for the next decade. I appreciate one of the sections, "Artificial Intelligence in Geospatial: Promise, Peril, and the Path Forward" (AGI, 2025).

Skim:

  • Horan, et al., Spatial Business: Competing and Leading with Location Analytics, skim Chapter 10 (pp. 195-215).

The Spatial Business reading is from the required textbook for this course.

Optional Reading:

The author does a great job breaking down what marketers need to know about location-based services and key marketing takeaways.

As you read the above articles, and prepare to investigate your own topic further, consider the following questions:

  1. How would you explain this technology to your classmates and/or others in business?
  2. What key terms/terminology are important to know and understand?
  3. What is the timeframe that you see this technology becoming widespread and impacting the market? (e.g., is this going to take 5, 10, 15, . . . years to have a significant impact, or are there stages along the way? Will it impact the business internally, its suppliers, or its customer.)
  4. What new business location intelligence opportunities might this technology provide?

Deliverable (30 pts):

How has your understanding of location intelligence changed over the past 8 weeks? In Lesson 1, we examined a definition of Location Intelligence in Canvas. Consider how you have critically examined the principles, geospatial analysis, and applications—now, succinctly re-define location intelligence.

Post a comment in Canvas to the Lesson 9.1 - Refined Location Intelligence Definition forum, including:

  • Revise or re-define Location Intelligence in your own words;
  • Your rationale;
  • Citations of pertinent references you used.

(Don't forget to read, and then comment on another student's definition of Location Intelligence.)

Due Tuesday night 11:59 pm (Eastern Time).
Check the Calendar in Canvas for specific time frames and due dates.