By Boris Skoljak, Vice President, Geospatial Sector at Trimble

Boris Skopljak

Geospatial data is enabling digital transformation in nearly every industry. Connectivity and interoperability will play a critical role in2025 as innovative methods of sharing and analyzing data increase the value of geospatial applications. Broader access to services, software and data via the cloud, as well as the rapid development of artificial intelligence for improved productivity, will further expand the utilization of geospatial information in new markets. In 2025, I predict technological developments in the following areas will support modeling our physical world in an accurate and detailed digital format for improved results throughout a project’s duration.

1. Connectivity/cloud – enabling universal access to geospatial data

Further development of the cloud in 2025 will allow a broader utilization of geospatial data across a number of industries by making data more easily accessible to facilitate collaboration and drive productivity. Surveyors and geospatial professionals will benefit from maintaining a single source of truth, while providing their customers with appropriate levels of access. Even non-technical users will be able to open a web browser, view a 3D model, add annotations and ask questions, forming a path for efficient communication.

On-site connectivity and interoperability between advanced devices in the field and backend office solutions will create connected data environments that increasingly support model-based collaboration across project lifecycles. Using IFC and other industry standards, we are moving from 2D/3D CAD drawings or discrete point, line, polygon geometry into a model- and object-based world. Model-based workflows contribute to smart sustainable construction by facilitating communication between the field and office workers, including machine guidance for enhanced coordination that eliminates multiple site visits and provides better digital site management.

By Don Weigel, General Manager of Government and Commercial, Nearmap

Don Weigel

Technological Innovations

Technology continues to rapidly evolve, and 2025 will be no different. Three specific use cases that I think will see technological innovation this year are:

• Urban Development:

Many different industries are leveraging location intelligence and embedding those solutions within systems to allow for deeper insights and learnings, empowering industries to respond to their surroundings in a more meaningful way. One of those ways is when planning and designing future-ready cities. Location intelligence data can help users better visualize what a city should look like—ensuring special care is made to consider growth patterns, traffic flow and accuracy. Generative AI combined with location intelligence for city planning and real estate development will lead to more alternatives that drive better decisions and ultimately better environments for citizens and developers alike.

• Disaster Response:It is no secret that natural disasters continue to rise in frequency as well as severity from year to year. As our climate and planet evolve and change, so should the technology we utilize to address the fallout of these incidents. Location intelligence data from Betterview by Nearmap delivers real-time insights pre and post event that help ensure faster, more effective action—all while getting ahead of resource stretched teams and departments. In short, pre and post-catastrophe data capture and AI will drive more effective and equitable disaster preparedness and response.

By Shay Har-Noy, Chief Executive Officer, Edgybees 

Shay Har-Noy

The geospatial sector has been experiencing a significant transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements, new business models, and growing global challenges that demand more sophisticated spatial analysis and decision-making tools. While no one can predict the future, we have seen some trends in commercial usage as well as during the armed conflicts around the world that suggest what 2025 may bring. In 2025, we can expect the integration of geospatial technologies in traditional workflows, enhanced data availability, and smarter tools to reshape the industry. These changes will impact everything from agriculture and urban planning to climate monitoring and disaster management.