The Growing Importance of Location Intelligence

Location intelligence is the process of deriving meaningful insights from geospatial data to solve specific problems. This involves layering multiple data sets spatially and/or chronologically, for easy reference on a map, and its applications span industries, categories, and organizations. Location intelligence is facilitated by the use of geographical information system (GIS) tools which enable analysts to effectively and efficiently collect, stores, analyze, and visualize data.

Location intelligence experts can use a variety of spatial and business analytical tools to measure optimal locations for operating a business or providing a service. They begin with defining the business ecosystem which is influenced by many interconnected factors, including (but are not limited to): culture, lifestyle, labor, healthcare, cost of living, crime, economic climate, and education.

In this post, Esri, the well-known GIS software company, explains how leaders in business and government are applying location technology to meet a wide variety of needs. Examples of location intelligence use cases include finding optimal locations in retail site selection, managing assets in real time, supply chain optimization, and building or maintaining vital infrastructure. Esri points out that location is key to solving many of today's challenges as geography pulls together all key information about important issues such as infrastructure modernization, sustainability, climate change, environmental management, and social equity.