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Blog: Chris Harlow on ITSearch The Harlow Report Archives
The precise information you need, delivered exactly when and where you need it. Personalized engagement and experiences. Easy step-by-step navigation. These are just some of the things you get with indoor location-based services.
Similar functions have existed outdoors for more than a decade thanks to GPS and apps like Google Maps. However, indoor location services have seen much slower adoption. But that’s started to change, and in 2017 we’ll see it shift into the mainstream. Indoor location’s time has finally come, and here’s why:
The first catalyst for this shift is changes in our smartphones. Apple recently introduced iBeacon and Google launched Eddystone, both of which make Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) a standard on virtually every smart device. This means that every smartphone is now “location aware,” allowing stores, hospitals, schools, corporations, museums and more to deliver highly personalized services to anyone who walks in their doors.
In my view, this is as significant as when Intel added Wi-Fi to the Centrino processor in 2003. Once it was ubiquitous on every laptop, the technology took off like wildfire. Going into 2017, we are at a very similar inflection point with BLE. continued…
first published week of: 11/21/2016
Since 1980, URISA's EXEMPLARY SYSTEMS IN GOVERNMENT (ESIG) AWARDS have recognized extraordinary achievements in the use of geospatial information technology that have improved the delivery and quality of government services. The award competition is open to all public agencies at the federal, state/provincial, regional and local levels.
Each year, submissions are invited in two categories:
Enterprise Systems: Systems in this category are outstanding and working examples of using information systems technology in a multi-department environment as part of an integrated process. These systems exemplify effective use of technology yielding widespread improvements in the process(es) and/or service(s) involved and/or cost savings to the organization.
Single Process Systems: Systems in this category are outstanding and working examples of applying information system technology to automate a specific SINGLE process or operation involving one department or sub-unit of an agency. The system application results in extended and/or improved government services that are more efficient and/or save money.
Winner of the ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS CATEGORY - Systems in this category are outstanding and working examples of using information systems technology in a multi-department environment as part of an integrated process. These systems exemplify effective use of technology yielding widespread improvements in the process(es) and/or service(s) involved and/or cost savings to the organization.:
Exemplary System: Think Outside the Map
Submitted by: John Nerge, GISP, GIS Coordinator, City of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota continued…
first published week of: 08/22/2016
Do you want to reach more locals with Twitter?
Wondering how to build connections in a specific location?
Using geolocation data can help you find the right people to connect with on Twitter.
In this article, you’ll discover three ways to use geolocation coordinates to build stronger connections with Twitter.
Why Use Geolocation Coordinates?
We all know that Twitter can be a great tool to build awareness for your business and develop loyal communities. However, cutting through the noise and finding the right people to connect with can be challenging.
That’s where geolocation tactics come in. Using specific location filters can help you improve your Twitter marketing efforts and bring focus to your social media marketing goals. continued…
first published week of: 12/12/2016
Improving technology is offering government new opportunities to meet a range of service needs. In Georgia, officials rely on GIS technology for everything from luring businesses to the state to major initiatives like NextGen 911.
Geographic information systems (GIS) have come a long way since the early days of grainy satellite photos and rough approximations of terrain they captured. Today, GIS platforms factor into a vast cross-section of government services and represent the foundation for major initiatives like location-based next-generation 911 systems.
And Georgia intends to make significant use of the technology. In August 2015, state leaders doubled down on their commitment to geospatial efforts across the territory with the creation of the Georgia Geospatial Information Office. Susan Miller was appointed to lead the undertaking as the Geospatial Information Officer (GIO).
Her charge would be to unify and coordinate GIS-based initiatives across jurisdictions. Though the state was an early adopter of the technology in the 1970s, budgeting issues in the 2000s stalled the more extensive programs and inadvertently created silos among state agencies, which were left to pursue their own projects without coordination, cooperation or guidance. continued…
first published week of: 10/10/2016
Mobile apps are becoming more advanced in their use of location services. Just consider the breakout success of Pokémon Go, a virtual reality game that requires users to turn on location services to play.
Nothing more clearly shows how important location can be to app user engagement.
Critical Need for Accurate Location Services
Pokémon Go players walk around real-life neighborhoods to hunt down virtual Pokémon characters on their smartphone screens —even helping local shops and restaurants attract new customers off the street with certain in-app features.
The requirement for this level of precision makes it clear that accurate location services are critical to the success of today’s apps.
According to my own company's research, 83 percent of app users say location is crucial to their app experiences. And yet users have failed to activate location services for more than half of location-dependent app they say they use, including weather and navigation.
This may be largely due to a few persistent myths that cause users to avoid turning location services on, even though it reduces the effectiveness of apps that rely on accurate location data.
4 Common Myths & Misconceptions
So why the resistance to location services? The reluctance can be traced to four common myths and misconceptions.
The important details are in the full article, located here…
first published week of: 10/10/2016
Thermographic imaging specialist iRed has launched new aerial inspection services.
The company says it has been testing and developing the system for years and it’s capable of providing entirely new points of view.
“Since early 2012, we’ve been testing and developing aerial technologies in order to produce a comprehensive and efficient inspection solution that not only complements our existing remote sensing capabilities but would also allow us to perform surveys from new perspectives,” says the company in a statement continued…
first published week of: 09/26/2016