The Harlow Report-GIS
2025 Edition
ISSN 0742-468XSince 1978
On-line Since 2000
GIS News Snippets
For the week of
August 11, 2025
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A “Harlow Report” From Aug 12, 2024
30 Years of Geospatial Standards
by Peter Parslow & Allan Jamieson
ISO/TC 211 has been developing and maintaining a set of standards for the geospatial community for 30 years.
Some standards are well known, others are used without people realizing it, and — because each standard changes over time — some do not yet fulfil their potential. This article reflects on the changes over the past three decades, including the benefits of harmonization, the maturing of the standards development process, and the evolution of the outreach activities.
ISO/TC 211 is the International Organization for Standardization's technical committee responsible for geographic information. The vision is to support a sustainably prosperous future by developing and maintaining, in cooperation with others, a set of standards that enable better management of geographic information. ISO/TC 211 doesn't do this alone. Key collaboration partners include the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) which is also 30 this year, UN agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and Universal Postal Union, and professional bodies such as the International Association of Geodesy (IAG), the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) and Group on Earth Observations (GEO).
Read full story at GIM International…
Now back to 2025
20 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do With Google Maps
by Miriam Daniel VP & GM, Google Maps
Google Maps celebrates 20 years with 20 favorite features
Summary
Twenty years ago, Google Maps transformed how we see and navigate the world. Today, it's become an indispensable tool for more than 2 billion users per month — shaping the way people navigate and explore, whether they're traveling to new places or rediscovering their hometown.
The article describes 20 useful features of Google Maps. Some of the features include customizing navigation icons, asking Google Maps for recommendations, and accessing real-time information about air quality and accessibility.
Read full story at Google…
Advanced DG Solutions &Mdash; Raising the Bar for Map Creation on the Fly
by Trimble Blog
Trimble's advanced DG tech elevates UAV mapping with centimeter-level accuracy, eliminating base stations for fast, precise data. Streamline workflows and enhance geospatial exploration effortlessly.
Summary
Advanced DG solutions, utilizing GNSS and inertial sensors, enable centimeter-level accuracy in UAV aerial mapping without ground-based reference points.
This technology simplifies the mapping workflow, providing real-time or post-processed data within minutes of landing. Trimble's partnership with DroneDeploy further streamlines this process, eliminating the need for base stations and offering a cloud-based solution for enhanced accuracy and efficiency.
Read full story at Trimble…
Modern Approaches in Military Geoscience
by Ivan Henrico
The evolving landscape of military geoscience demands the integration of advanced geospatial technologies to enhance situational awareness, decision-making and operational efficiency in military operations.
Summary
Military geoscience has evolved significantly with the integration of advanced geospatial technologies like GIS, remote sensing, and AI.
These technologies enable real-time data analysis, enhanced situational awareness, and improved decision-making in complex environments.
The rise of GEOINT, which integrates various geospatial data and intelligence sources, provides a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment, making it a critical strategic asset for military and civilian domains.
As modern warfare evolves, the integration of drones with AI and machine learning to conduct geospatial analysis will become increasingly crucial. These technologies automate the processing of vast datasets, enabling military forces to rapidly analyse satellite imagery, drone-collected data and other geospatial inputs. AI algorithms can detect patterns, predict enemy behaviour and optimize operations in real time, providing military leaders with the insights they need to make informed strategic decisions.
Read full story at Wiley…
USGS Releases Detailed Topographic Maps Designed for Recreational Use
by USGS Communications and Publishing
New on-demand maps will enhance outdoor navigation for nature explorers
Summary
The maps are highly detailed, allowing users to see subtle changes in terrain and plan routes that match their skill level, time constraints and interests.
Also, they have specialized symbols that denote key recreational features like trailheads, campsites, picnic areas, and other amenities, making it easier to locate resources for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Rivers, trails, forests, and structures are emphasized, providing a comprehensive view of the environment with a focus on recreational opportunities.
The maps highlight protected areas, such as national parks, national forests and national wild and scenic rivers, encouraging responsible exploration.
Read full story at USGS…
What's new for CAD and BIM in the May 2025 release of ArcGIS Pro
by Michael Davidson
Simplify CAD and BIM integration in ArcGIS Pro 3.5 for model federation and sharing workflows. Bring content into context for analysis and collaboration.
Summary
The May 2025 release of ArcGIS Pro 3.5 simplifies CAD and BIM integrations, reducing manual efforts for consuming and sharing project information.
New features include direct creation of scene layers from 3D CAD, support for direct-read and export of CAD hatches, and the ability to set BIM Cloud Connections as favorites.
These enhancements benefit GIS teams across various industries, improving collaboration and project coordination.
Read full story at Esri Blog…
Industry News
In Government
Pentagon Will 'Open the Door' to More Companies for Next Major Cloud Contract
by Frank Konkel
The Pentagon's tech chief said JWCC Next will look a little different than its $9 billion predecessor.
Summary
The Pentagon's next major cloud contract, JWCC Next, will expand beyond the four major cloud service providers to include smaller companies and non-traditional vendors.
The contract aims to foster innovation and efficiency by incorporating innovative AI tools, satellite capabilities, and new weaponry development methods.
Read full story at Defense One…
White House Tech Director Breaks Down Plan to Balance AI National Security and Export Promotion
by Alexandra Kelley
White House OSTP Director Michael Kratsios said that the “highest end of semiconductors” should fall under export controls, but the administration still wants the world using U.S. technology.
Summary
The Trump administration's AI policy aims to ensure a U.S.-led technology stack is used domestically and internationally. The administration is concerned about sensitive data breaches and the potential misuse of AI systems by adversarial nations, particularly regarding semiconductor chips.
While export controls will be applied to the highest-end semiconductors, the administration aims to balance national security with the global market access of American tech companies.
Read full story at NextGov/FCW…
In Technology
Microsoft Beats Expectations, Reveals Azure Revenue for the First Time — $75 Billion a Year
by Todd Bishop
Microsoft significantly exceeded earnings expectations for the June quarter and disclosed its standalone annual Azure revenue for the first time
Summary
The article describes Microsoft's financial performance, highlighting that the company's Azure cloud business surpassed 75 billion in annual revenue. The company also reported a 24% increase in profits, driven by strong demand for AI and growth across all workloads.
Read full story at GeekWire…
Salesforce Launches Agentforce 3 to Solve the Biggest Blockers to Scaling AI Agents:
by Salesforce Press Release
New Agentforce Command Center provides a complete observability solution for optimizing AI agents — enabling leaders to manage, track, and scale how AI agent activity enhances human productivity
Summary
Salesforce announced Agentforce 3, a major upgrade to its digital labor platform. The new Command Center provides complete observability for optimizing AI agents, enabling leaders to manage, track, and scale AI agent activity.
Agentforce 3 also includes built-in support for open standards like Model Context Protocol (MCP) for seamless agent interoperability and an expanded AgentExchange with over 30 partners.
Read full story at Salesforce…
What Is Vibe Coding? How It Works and 5 Quick Tips to Get You Started
by Emily Forlini
These AI coding agents are as miraculous as they are error-prone, but still worth a try.
Summary
Vibe coding, a technique where AI generates code through a conversational interface, is gaining popularity among hobbyists and professionals. While it offers a streamlined approach to coding, it requires careful refinement and triple-checking due to potential errors.
Despite its flaws, vibe coding is worth exploring to stay updated on the evolving landscape of AI-assisted programming.
Read full story at PCMag…
In Utilities
Big Tech Wants Nuclear-Powered AI Now, But Here's What They're Not Telling Us
by Emily Forlini
Experts say tech companies' nuclear reactor plans are immensely challenging at best.
Summary
Tech companies are exploring nuclear power to fuel their data centers, but experts warn of significant challenges.
These include high costs, long construction timelines, and public safety concerns.
The reliance on unproven small modular reactors (SMRs) adds to the uncertainty, as they have yet to be deployed at scale.
Read full story at PCMag…
How Much Power Do Data Centers Use?
by Dorothy Neufeld
Data center demand is rising at a break neck speed, with little signs of slowing.
Summary
- Data centers make up 8.9% of the total power share in America, based on analysis from the IEA.
- With 53.7 gigawatts of installed data center capacity, the U.S. leads globally by a wide margin.
- In the UK, 5.1% of total electricity demand is driven from data centers as billions in foreign investment flows into the country.
Read full story at Visual Capitalist…
The role of emerging tech in the modern energy landscape
by Utility Dive's studioID and Cognizant
In this free research report, learn how industry leaders are doubling down on emerging technologies to handle the complexities of today's energy landscape.
Summary
In this exclusive research report, over 100 industry leaders revealed where they're investing, what's working, and how they're transforming operations for a digital future. By reading, you'll learn how industry leaders are doubling down on emerging technologies, including genAI, to handle the complexities of today's energy landscape and set themselves up for success in the future.
Read full story at UtilityDive…