The Harlow Report-GIS
2025 Edition
ISSN 0742-468XSince 1978
On-line Since 2000
GIS News Snippets
For the week of
August 18, 2025
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A “Harlow Report” From Aug 19, 2024
How Geospatial Tech Transforms Government Strategy
by Forbes McKenzie
Discover the political future in terms of how geospatial tech transforms government strategy from Forbes McKenzie, CEO of McKenzie Intelligence Services Ltd
From the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to military coups in Africa, geopolitical instability is at its highest in almost eight decades. Indeed, escalating competition between China and America, along with shifting global political allegiances, has led the U.S. National Intelligence Council to predict a period of unparalleled turbulence reminiscent of the Cold War in its Global Trends 2040 report.
With each conflict, crisis and power shift comes significant risk to both governments and economies. Moreover, protecting populations becomes an ever-challenging task as nations grapple with where best to allocate much-needed effort and resources.
However, we are also in an era of massive technological advancement, where cutting-edge geospatial technologies – from geographic information systems (GIS) and advanced geospatial satellites to remote sensing instruments and global positioning systems (GPS) – offer unmatched capabilities for navigating complex geopolitical situations.
Read full story at Open Access Government…
Now back to 2025
Mapdatascraper.com Unveils Automated Google Maps Contact Scraper for Faster Prospecting
by Prodigy Press Wire
The release marks another milestone in the platform's mission to deliver simple, effective, and scalable data solutions for sales and marketing teams worldwide.
Summary
Mapdatascraper.com launched an Automated Google Maps Contact Scraper, a tool that automates the collection of contact information from Google Maps listings.
The scraper supports targeted prospecting through location-based and keyword-specific searches, and integrates seamlessly with sales and marketing workflows.
The Google Maps Contact Scraper is already being adopted by agencies, sales teams, recruitment firms, and service providers who rely on location-based prospecting. Use cases range from finding local suppliers and vendors to identifying potential B2B clients in specific sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, logistics, and real estate.
Read full story at Digital Journal…
Apple Maps Gains AI Natural Language Search in iOS 26 Beta
by Zane Howard
Apple's iOS 26 beta enhances Maps with AI-driven natural language search, enabling casual queries like finding cozy spots, plus personalized routes and privacy-focused processing. It integrates with smart ecosystems and offers visual upgrades.
Summary
Apple's iOS 26 beta introduces a transformative upgrade to Apple Maps, leveraging AI-powered natural language processing to enable intuitive, conversational search queries like “find a cozy Italian spot with outdoor seating.”
This feature, reported by 9to5Mac, integrates real-time data and personalized recommendations, enhancing user experience. Additional features include “Preferred Routes” for optimized navigation based on commuting patterns, real-time EV charging station updates, and offline map capabilities, as noted in X posts and Geeky Gadgets.
Privacy-focused on-device processing sets it apart from competitors like Google Maps, while ties to smart home ecosystems and a “Liquid Glass” interface enhance functionality and aesthetics. New APIs signal opportunities for developers, though challenges remain in refining query accuracy. This update positions Apple Maps as a central hub for contextual intelligence, potentially reshaping urban mobility and market dynamics.
Read full story at WebProNews…
Google Maps Updates in 2025
by Chris Harlow
A brief review of what Google Maps has been up to so far this year
Google Maps introduced several significant updates in 2025, focusing on AI-driven features, enhanced navigation, and sustainability. Key changes include:
- Gemini AI Integration:Now users can ask Google Maps for personalized recommendations, like "things to do with friends at night," with Gemini providing curated suggestions and AI-summarized reviews for quick decision-making.
- Immersive View Expansion: Immersive View for routes, which uses AI to combine Street View and aerial imagery for 3D route previews, now includes parking and complex turn indicators. It's available in 150 cities, including Brussels and Kyoto, and covers college campuses.
- Enhanced Navigation: Improved turn-by-turn guidance shows lanes, crosswalks, and road signs clearly, with lane-specific directions to reduce confusion. Weather disruption reporting (e.g., flooded roads) is now available globally.
- EV Charging and Eco-Friendly Routes: Electric vehicle drivers get detailed charger compatibility and usage data. Eco-friendly route suggestions factor in fuel efficiency, traffic, and elevation.
- Social Feature Removal: The "Follow" feature for local guides and businesses was discontinued in September 2025, shifting focus to core navigation.
- Street View and Google Earth Upgrades: Historical Street View imagery and sharper satellite views enhance visual exploration, especially in rural areas.
I'm sure I missed some, but these stand out the most. Google Maps is frequently omitted in discussions about GIS, but don't loose sight of the new and upcoming intelligence that is being included in Google Maps, Apple Maps and other navigation apps.
Map Africa Initiative: Esri, Microsoft and Space42 to Deliver High-Resolution Geospatial Data for Africa's Growth
by Bill Tanner
The Map Africa Initiative, led by Esri, Microsoft and Space42, will produce the most comprehensive basemap of Africa, boosting infrastructure planning, economic growth and sustainable development.
Summary
The Map Africa Initiative, a five-year collaboration between Esri, Microsoft, and Space42, aims to create the most comprehensive, high-resolution basemap covering all 54 African countries, benefiting over 1.4 billion people.
Formalized in July 2025 at the Esri User Conference, the partnership addresses Africa's outdated and fragmented mapping data, which hinders infrastructure, economic, and environmental progress.
Esri will leverage GeoAI for basemap production and train local teams, Space42 will manage fundraising and provide satellite data, and Microsoft will offer Azure-based cloud infrastructure for data processing. The initiative will enhance sectors like logistics, renewable energy, security, and smart city planning, with data licensed to governments for local control and sustainability.
Hosted in African data centers, the project fosters a commercial ecosystem for location-based startups, driving economic growth and sustainable development.
Read full story at Intelligent CIO…
NEC Software Solutions UK Expands Public Safety Capabilities with Strategic Acquisition of Cadcorp
by Press Relelaser
This strategic acquisition enhances NEC's capabilities in delivering advanced, location-based intelligence to local authorities and public safety organisations across the UK and beyond.
Summary
NEC Software Solutions (NECSWS) has acquired Cadcorp, a UK-based leader in Geographic Information Systems and web mapping software, to enhance its location-based intelligence offerings for local authorities and public safety organizations.
Cadcorp's expertise in spatial data analysis and its flagship product, Cadcorp SIS, used by sectors like emergency services and government, will integrate with NEC's platforms to improve service delivery and community outcomes. Tina Whitley, CEO of NECSWS, highlighted the acquisition's alignment with their mission to foster safer communities through innovation. Martin Daly, Cadcorp's Technical Director, emphasized the potential for accelerated, integrated solutions.
The integration process will focus on aligning product development and customer support to maximize impact.
Read full story at CadCorp…
Industry News
In Government
DARPA Unveils Winners of AI Challenge to Boost Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity
by David Dimolfetta
The AI Cyber Challenge aims to accelerate the distribution of open-source AI models to help patch the code that powers major infrastructure like water treatment plans and power grids. Four of the open-source models have already been made available for use.
Summary
The article describes the winners of DARPA's AI Cyber Challenge, a competition to improve cybersecurity in critical infrastructure.
The winning teams developed AI models that can autonomously identify and patch vulnerabilities in open-source code. The article also highlights the importance of open-source tools in critical infrastructure and the need for accountability in AI's use in conflicts.
Four of the models developed by the seven competing finalist teams have already been made available for use, while three others will become available in the coming weeks, DARPA director Stephen Winchell told a large audience at the convention, where the winners were announced.
Read full story at NextGov/FCW…
When the Cloud Eats Your Contract: A Cautionary Tale From GAO
by Nick Wakeman
A failed protest by MetTel is an example of how some long-standing market players risk being sidelined by federal modernization.
Summary
The GAO dismissed MetTel's protest against the Social Security Administration's (SSA) use of a GSA Schedule contract for cloud computing services.
The decision highlights the importance of contract vehicles and the vulnerability of long-standing contractors in the cloud era. Federal contractors must adapt their business models and contract strategies to the cloud-first world.
Read full story at WashingtonTechnology…
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 preparing to take action regarding semiconductor chips, particularly to adversarial nations, and is weighing the trade-offs of protecting U.S. security while ensuring American tech companies have access to the global market.
Read full story at NextGov…
In Technology
Azure Networking Changes: What IT Managers Need to Know
by Cormac De Róiste
Microsoft is rolling out a major Azure Networking Changes that will reshape how VMs connect to the internet.
Summary
Microsoft is implementing significant Azure Networking Changes effective September 30, 2025, ending default outbound internet access for newly created Azure VMs. This shift aligns with Zero Trust security principles, requiring explicit configuration for outbound connectivity, unlike the previous default public IP assignment.
Existing VMs and VNETs with default access remain unaffected, but new deployments must plan for outbound access. The change aims to reduce attack surfaces, enhance governance with customer-owned IPs, and ensure compliance through documented connections.
IT teams should assess current setups, choose connectivity options like Public IP Assignments, Azure NAT Gateway, or Network Virtual Appliances, and test solutions. Updating templates and training staff are critical. This strategic move encourages intentional network design, enhancing security and compliance in Azure environments. Organizations must prepare now to adapt to this policy-driven connectivity model.
Read full story at Enterprise Solutions…
Researchers Reveal ReVault Attack Targeting Dell ControlVault3 Firmware in 100+ Laptop Models
by Ravie Lakshmanan
Summary
Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered multiple vulnerabilities in Dell's ControlVault3 firmware, affecting ov These vulnerabilities, codenamed ReVault, could allow attackers to bypass Windows login, extract cryptographic keys, and maintain access even after a fresh OS install.
Read full story at The Hacker News…
The Three Kinds of Phone Hacks to Watch Out For
by David Nield
If your phone is hacked, here's what to do.
Summary
There are three main types of phone hacks to be aware of: spyware, account, and SIM/eSIM hacks.:
- Spyware hacks involve unauthorized access to your device, potentially recording audio or keystrokes.
- Account hacks occur when someone gains access to your apps or accounts, potentially exposing data on other devices.
- SIM/eSIM hacks involve targeting your phone's SIM card, often through a SIM swapping attack where your number is rerouted to another device.
In Utilities
AI Data Centers Are Massive, Energy-Hungry and Headed Your Way
by Corin Cesaric
Behind your ChatGPT and Gemini queries, there's a land grab happening to keep up the fevered pace of gen AI's growth. The consequences are significant.
Summary
The rapid growth of generative AI has led to a surge in data center construction, particularly in the US.
These massive facilities, powered by tech giants like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft, require substantial energy and water resources.
Concerns arise about their environmental impact, potential strain on local resources, and the need for streamlined permitting processes to support this growth.
Read full story at CNET…
Alabama Power to Develop State's First Utility-Scale BESS
by GlobalData
Summary
Alabama Power, a Southern Company subsidiary, is constructing Alabama's first utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) on the retired Plant Gorgas site in Walker County.
The seven-acre facility will store 150MW of electricity, powering 9,000 households, using lithium-ion phosphate batteries with a two-hour duration and recharge time. Construction starts in 2025, with completion by 2027.
The project aims to enhance grid reliability and honors Plant Gorgas' century-long legacy. Alabama Power serves 1.5 million customers across a 44,500-square-mile area.
Read full story at MSN…
Department of Energy Announces Initial Selections for New Reactor Pilot Program
by U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) officially kicked off President Trump' Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, announcing DOE will initially work with 11 advanced reactor projects to move their technologies towards deployment.
Summary
The article describes the Department of Energy's selection of 11 advanced reactor projects for its Reactor Pilot Program.
The program aims to expedite the testing of advanced reactor designs and facilitate their commercial licensing. The DOE will work with industry to construct, operate, and achieve criticality of at least three test reactors by July 4, 2026.
Read full story at U.S. Department of Energy…