Are you ready to tap into the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and location intelligence? By combining AI with geographic information system (GIS) technology, organizations can automate tasks, make accurate predictions, and gain valuable insights from large amounts of data. The potential is immense. Imagine being able to save time, drive value from data and imagery, and make informed decisions faster. This powerful combination has already revolutionized how leading organizations manage their operations, from global logistics to climate change monitoring to transportation planning. In this article, we will explore real-world examples of how organizations like FedEx, Microsoft, and AT&T are leveraging AI and location intelligence to transform their industries. Get ready to be inspired by the possibilities!
Introduction to AI and Location Intelligence
AI and location intelligence are two powerful technologies that, when combined, can revolutionize the way we gather, analyze, and utilize data. AI, or artificial intelligence, has the capability to automate tasks, make accurate predictions, and extract valuable insights from large amounts of data. On the other hand, location intelligence, also known as geographic information system (GIS) technology, provides real-world context to operations by spatially analyzing and visualizing data. Together, AI and location intelligence offer a comprehensive solution for businesses and governments to save time, drive value from data and imagery, and make informed decisions faster.
The Power of AI Combined with GIS
When AI is combined with GIS, it opens up a world of possibilities. The integration of these two technologies allows for the creation of powerful insights and real-world context for various applications. For example, GIS can be used to map areas susceptible to landslides, and AI can automatically identify structures that may be at risk. This combination of AI and GIS enables new levels of sustainability, efficiency, and growth in organizations across industries.
Use Cases of AI and Location Intelligence
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Managing Global Logistics in Real Time – FedEx, a global logistics giant, relies on a sophisticated GIS to track its fleet and ensure precise timing of deliveries. By leveraging AI’s predictive capabilities, FedEx can identify when a plane would need maintenance or parts, optimizing their supply chain and keeping everything on schedule.
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Seeing Near Real-Time Changes on Earth – Microsoft, in partnership with Esri and Impact Observatory, has developed an AI-powered land-cover map. This technology, combined with location intelligence, enables the monitoring of global changes on a scale and frequency that was previously unimaginable. This capability has the potential to provide valuable insights into climate change and environmental crises.
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Getting Ahead of Climate Risk – AT&T has used big data and location-based technology to map climate risks in the United States for the next 30 years. By leveraging location intelligence, they can predict supply chain vulnerability and provide powerful information for other organizations to assess their own risk and operations.
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Protecting Highway Assets – Autobahn planners have developed a deep learning program trained to identify indicators of road conditions on Germany’s most important highways. By combining AI with location intelligence, they can accurately predict changing road conditions and invest in preventative measures, saving billions of dollars in highway repair costs.
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Managing Forests Sustainably – The Finnish Forest Centre utilizes automation and AI-driven algorithms to analyze imagery, weather, and climate data. This enables them to better predict forest inventory and maintenance needs, leading to proactive management that optimizes growth and harvest cycles.
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Saving Costs in Project Planning – The Army Corps of Engineers maintains water depth for ports and channels in the United States. By pairing AI with location intelligence, they analyze millions of vessel tracking pings to identify areas where dredging is needed. This proactive approach saves them $100 million per year in project planning.
Benefits of AI and Location Intelligence
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Automation – By automating tasks, AI and location intelligence can accelerate time to insights and decisions. Repetitive tasks can be quickly completed at scale, freeing up valuable time for more complex analysis and decision-making.
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Prediction – By analyzing past data and real-time information, AI and location intelligence can accurately predict scenarios for risk assessment, growth opportunities, or optimizing operations. This allows organizations to be proactive and plan accordingly.
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Pattern Recognition – AI and location intelligence can search for patterns hidden in large amounts of data or imagery. This enables organizations to identify areas where action needs to be taken, such as detecting parking lots for development planning or identifying vegetation threatening power lines.
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Finding the Best Use of Space – The combination of AI and location intelligence can help organizations find the most optimal use of space. For example, AI can detect parking lots, which can then be used to plan development or model the benefits of solar coverings.
The Emergence of GeoAI
The convergence of AI and location intelligence, especially machine learning and deep learning, is becoming known as GeoAI. GeoAI allows organizations to answer complex and high-value questions that were not possible before. This advanced geospatial data analytics, made possible by GIS software, empowers organizations to gain unprecedented insights and make superior decisions faster.
Esri, a leader in location intelligence and GIS, is at the forefront of integrating GeoAI into operations and workflows. Their technologies and expertise enable organizations to harness the power of AI and location intelligence for their specific needs.
Promoting Safety and Preventing Disruption
AI combined with location intelligence can play a crucial role in promoting safety and preventing disruption. For example, AI can identify areas where vegetation poses a threat to power lines, saving time and avoiding costly inspections. The ability to capture reality, simulate scenarios, and anticipate the future through AI and location intelligence can have a significant impact on safety and operational efficiency.
Real-World Examples of AI + Location Intelligence
To showcase the combined power of AI and location intelligence, let’s explore some real-world examples:
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FedEx: Leveraging AI and location intelligence, FedEx optimizes its global logistics operations, ensuring precise timing and efficient supply chain management.
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Microsoft: By partnering with Esri and Impact Observatory, Microsoft has developed an AI-powered land-cover map, enabling near real-time monitoring of global changes.
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AT&T: Utilizing big data and location-based technology, AT&T has mapped climate risks to predict supply chain vulnerability and provide valuable information to other organizations.
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Autobahn GmbH: With the help of deep learning and location intelligence, Autobahn GmbH accurately predicts changing road conditions and invests in preventive measures to protect highway assets.
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Finnish Forest Centre: AI and location intelligence have streamlined forest management in Finland, predicting forest inventory and maintenance needs for sustainable growth.
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Army Corps of Engineers: By pairing AI with location intelligence, the Army Corps of Engineers can proactively plan dredging projects, optimizing water depth for ports and channels and saving millions of dollars.
These examples demonstrate the wide-ranging applications and benefits of AI and location intelligence across industries.
Conclusion
The combination of AI and location intelligence offers immense potential for businesses and governments. By leveraging the power of AI to automate tasks, make accurate predictions, and analyze large amounts of data, organizations can make informed decisions faster and drive value from data and imagery. When combined with GIS technology, AI provides real-world context and enables organizations to manage operations more effectively, promote safety, and achieve sustainability. As the emergence of GeoAI continues to shape the future, it is crucial for organizations to embrace and integrate AI and location intelligence into their operations and workflows.
