25 November 2011
We read an article recently entitled “Spatial mapping goes mainstream”, which talked about the rise in the use of mapping technologies (read the full article here).
The article begins by telling us that GIS is not just used by a small group of organisations any more – it’s being used by anyone working with data and maps.
We’d completely agree that mapping data is much more mainstream than it has been in the past. But we’d go a step further and say that it’s now being used by organisations who do have data – but haven’t worked with maps before.
If you already work with maps and data, GIS is clearly a useful piece of technology. And since it’s a natural fit, you’re likely to be able to make a solid business case for even a traditional GIS setup.
What’s far more exciting is why organisations who have data – but don’t already work with maps – have embraced the technology.
Our customers who fit this profile have told us that they’re interested in fully leveraging their data in very competitive markets. While they engage in traditional business intelligence and analytical activities, these activities don’t encompass geographical information. And as they’ve become aware of the value of understanding location, they’ve engaged with us to find a way to leverage the geographical component of their data.
For these customers, data mapping capabilities are considered important – but not yet mission-critical. As such, they can’t justify the purchase of a traditional GIS solution. But the low cost and quick delivery of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) based data mapping software make it an attractive option.
Put simply, SaaS makes mapping a possibility for anyone who works with data. Not just GIS experts, not just people who already use maps in their professional lives – but anyone who analyses data, from data scientists to marketers to CEOs to accountants.
From where we sit, that’s evidence of data mapping really going mainstream – and something that’s really worth talking about.
