Leveraging Technology and Geospatial Tools in 2023, Part 2

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Evaluating Digital and Geospatial Tools for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

The GeoDecisions team is always looking to the future, predicting where geographic information systems (GIS), data, and technology tools are heading. Now that we are halfway through 2023, we’re evaluating our predictions from January; looking at the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry adoption; and analyzing how technology can reduce costs.

Please read our previous blog to learn more about our original predictions.

Prediction 1: Kubernetes Implementations Enhance Digital Experiences

Kubernetes is becoming the industry standard as a scalable solution for the cloud environment by bridging platforms together that organizations use while maintaining flexibility. Understanding the importance of Kubernetes, Esri recently added the Kubernetes specialty to the partner program.

Outcomes

  • Kubernetes is one of the fast-track technologies that continues to increase its capabilities and functionalities.

  • Esri developed ArcGIS Enterprise on Kubernetes to better support clients and enable more technology.

  • Kubernetes is an additional tool; it isn’t replacing Esri or other tools.

Adjusted Predictions

  • Businesses need to analyze their needs to determine the best technology for them, which sometimes is not Kubernetes.

  • Companies will develop Kubernetes strategies and migration plans for implementation over the next six to 24 months.

Prediction 2: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Improve Digital Processes

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) increase operational efficiencies by introducing geospatial data. The AEC industry has multiple use cases for AI/ML, including image classification, text creation, and spatial analysis. Esri is leveraging these tools within ArcGIS Knowledge, integrating multiple data sets to uncover data patterns and accelerate decision-making.

ChatGPT was just being introduced when we had our initial discussion in January 2023. We did not anticipate its impact or adoption speed in digital technology.

Outcomes

  • ChatGPT is transforming business and has the highest adoption rate of any previous technology.

  • Esri continues to improve ArcGIS Knowledge with additional relationship and entity diagrams.

  • Organizations are leveraging the power of geospatial relationships and location intelligence, i.e., law enforcement agencies, oil and gas companies, maintenance operations, etc.

Adjusted Predictions

  • To stay competitive, firms need to utilize application programming interfaces (APIs) and development tools using ChatGPT models.

  • Additional laws and legislation around the appropriate uses and copyright practices.

  • AI won’t replace jobs because it can’t add the human experience to the information it produces.

  • Increased use of vector databases and metadata with generative design.

  • As with previous technological advancements, customers expect AI involvement.

Prediction 3: Digital Twins Support the Digital Journey and Digital Transformation

Digital twins are introducing GIS components to increase accuracy and leverage the power of location. Digital twins will increase collaboration, sustainable project delivery, and digital process automation (DPA). The most significant change will be to utilize the digital twin for automating business processes and reducing the number of repetitive tasks.

Outcomes

  • Leading digital transformation with workflow automation and DPA tools.

  • Some companies are attached to the pen-and-paper approach and are falling increasingly behind by not implementing automated processes.

  • More clients are asking for digital twins for both projects and processes.

  • Allowing organizations to run scenarios, test ideas, and access information.

Adjusted Predictions

  • More organizations will begin developing digital transformation strategies for complete implementation in the next five to 10 years.

  • Organizations need to define their business challenge(s) to determine the best digital twin approach.

Prediction 4: GeoBIM as a Digital Portal

GIS and building information modeling (BIM) continue to advance (also known as GeoBIM), but more importantly, GeoBIM brings disciplines together, resulting in a better digital customer journey. An authentic GeoBIM environment increases collaboration, record and data accuracy, centralized data, and software integrations. Esri continues to strengthen its strategic partnership with Autodesk and improve ArcGIS GeoBIM.

Outcomes

  • Providing more accurate and complete lifecycle costs, including asset management.

  • Bringing design and construction together in a single environment increases the level of customer service.

  • Increasing uses for recycling and reuse.

Prediction 5: HD Maps and Lidar Provide a Digital Sense of Advancement

Advances in technology continue to elevate location intelligence through the amount of information for high-definition (HD) maps. AEC firms are returning to lidar to increase the detail and accuracy of maps. The information collected from autonomous vehicles and wayfinding apps is opening the doors for increased safety and infrastructure design.

Outcomes

  • Increased digital visualization in design and construction processes.

  • More drone information is accessible in lidar environments.

  • People are using HD maps and lidar to answer questions, i.e., building location impacts.

  • Advanced development of bot delivery.

  • Application use is increasing exponentially while the cost is decreasing.

Conclusion

Technology is evolving rapidly, especially in the AEC industry. Kubernetes continues its ascent as the favored scalable cloud computing solution. AI is transforming how businesses operate. Digital twins are revolutionizing project delivery and process improvements. GeoBIM is taking data integration to a new level. And HD maps are leading the way in infrastructure design.

About the Author

Ohan Oumoudian
Principal, GIS/Geospatial Solutions
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