The Harlow Report-GIS
2025 Edition
ISSN 0742-468XSince 1978
On-line Since 2000
GIS News Snippets
For the week of
August 25, 2025
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A “Harlow Report” From Aug 26, 2024
5 Reasons to Utilize GIS with Utility Mapping
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
Court Upholds $92 Million Fine Against T-Mobile Over Illegal Location Data Sales
by Jibin Joseph
Last year, the FCC fined T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T nearly $200 million for illegally selling customer location data. All three appealed, and T-Mobile's judgment has now been upheld.
Summary
A US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit upheld a $92 million FCC fine against T-Mobile and Sprint for illegally selling customers' real-time location data to third-party aggregators, violating the Communications Act's confidentiality rules. T-Mobile's appeal, claiming a Seventh Amendment violation for lack of a jury trial and misinterpretation of the Act, was rejected.
The court ruled that T-Mobile waived its jury trial right by seeking direct review. Similar fines were imposed on AT&T ($57.3 million) and Verizon ($46.9 million). AT&T's fine was overturned, while Verizon's appeal is pending. The total fines across the carriers neared $200 million.
Read full story at PCMag…
From Static Maps to Smart Systems: How GIS, LiDAR and Geospatial AI are Reshaping Utility Inspections
by Vikhyat Chaudhry
Visual inspections of the power grid have traditionally relied on manual methods and reactive responses.
Summary
Utility inspections are evolving from manual, reactive methods to digital, predictive systems. Aging infrastructure, climate challenges, and electrification demands are pushing utilities to adopt advanced technologies.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), LiDAR, thermal imaging, and Geospatial AI (GeoAI) create digital twins, mapping assets with environmental and operational data for real-time insights. Drones and sensors, paired with machine learning, detect faults with over 85% accuracy, enabling predictive maintenance. Structure-based workflows automate data linking, improving efficiency. Human-in-the-loop AI ensures accuracy and trust. Scalable tools allow smaller utilities to modernize incrementally. The future involves continuous, spatially aware inspections, integrating synthetic data and two-way GIS platforms for a resilient, data-driven grid.
Read full story at PowerMag…
GIS Applications in Gold Resource Mapping: Top 5 Tools 2025
by Peptide Sciences
Over 80% of leading gold exploration firms will implement advanced 3D GIS software for resource modeling by 2025
Summary
GIS Applications in Gold Resource Mapping: Best Tools and Software in 2025 reveals how cutting-edge Geographic Information Systems are revolutionizing the way we identify, estimate, and manage gold resources worldwide.
As gold mining companies continuously seek higher accuracy and efficiency in resource exploration and extraction, GIS technology stands out as the backbone of modern mineral resource mapping and modeling. This article takes a deep dive into the top 5 GIS tools available in 2025, explores key functionalities like 3D modeling, geospatial integration, geochemical analysis, and addresses why these technologies are now indispensable for mining enterprises striving for sustainability, transparency, and operational excellence.
HERE Technologies and Samsara Partner to Deliver Mapping and Geolocation Capabilities for Fleets and Logistics Operations
by Here Press Release
The Samsara Platform helps to improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of physical operations.
Summary
HERE Technologies has partnered with Samsara Inc. to integrate HERE's mapping and geolocation services into Samsara's Connected Operations® Platform. This collaboration enhances fleet operations by providing precise routing, smarter dispatch, and real-time visibility, improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability for vehicles like trucks and buses.
Steve Ciccio, Senior Director at HERE, emphasized the partnership's role in delivering robust, data-driven tools for real-time supply chain insights. Xing Quan from Samsara highlighted the enhanced geospatial intelligence, optimizing operations from last-mile logistics to municipal fleets. This alliance strengthens both companies' missions to advance location-based solutions and operational efficiency.
Read full story at Hear…
Mapping Helps Maine Adapt to Changing Broadband Rules
by Chris Teale
The Maine Connectivity Authority has mapped its broadband infrastructure and potential service areas, as well as assets related to digital equity. Doing so means everything can be quickly adjusted as guidance changes.
Summary
The Maines and Deployment program under Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, MCA's adaptable system ensures compliance with evolving guidelines.
Read full story at RouteFifty…
Industry News
In Government
State & Local IT Influencers Worth Following in 2025
by Dominick Sorrentino
These 25 state and local IT leaders keep the lights on and the wheels of innovation turning in government.
Listen (011:59)
Summary
StateTech compiled a list of 25 state and local government IT influencers for 2025.
These leaders are recognized for their contributions to modernizing government IT, particularly through cloud technology and artificial intelligence. The list includes CIOs, CISOs, and other experts driving innovation and improving civic life through technology.
Read full story at StateTech…
Dallas Says It's the First Major Texas City to Use AI for Procurement
by Ryan Kushner
The city's partnership with Hazel AI aims to cut costs, boost transparency and expand access for small and local businesses.
Summary
- The city of Dallas will partner with Hazel AI to “enhance the quality and consistency” of the city's solicitation documents, it said in a news release It says it is the first major city in Texas to use AI for procurement.
- The initiative is part of a larger shakeup to the city's Office of Procurement Services, which identified $1 million in budget savings “by reducing City costs for staff”
- “Our partnership with Hazel allows us to increase competition, enhance transparency, and expand access for small and local businesses delivering smarter, faster, and more inclusive outcomes for the City of Dallas
Read full story at Smartcities Dive…
How the Rapid Spread of Misinformation Pushed Oregon Lawmakers to Kill the State's Wildfire Risk Map
by Rob Davis
After Oregon's record-breaking fire season in 2020, lawmakers wanted to map out which properties were most at risk. But anger from homeowners escalated quickly.
Summary
After Oregon's devastating 2020 wildfire season, lawmakers commissioned a statewide wildfire risk map to inform fire-resistant construction codes.
However, misinformation spread rapidly, blaming the map for insurance cancellations and premium increases, despite insurers denying its use. Amidst public backlash and threats of violence, the state withdrew the map, ultimately abandoning the project due to the pervasive influence of misinformation.
Not only is Oregon's map seen as at fault for higher insurance premiums, one conservative talk radio host calls it an attempt to “depopulate rural areas.” People in an anti-map Facebook group start musing about ”Agenda 21,“4 a conspiracy theory implicating the United Nations in an effort to force people into cities so they can be more easily controlled.
Read full story at RouteFifty…
In Technology
Apple Plots Expansion Into AI Robots, Home Security and Smart Displays
by Bloomberg News
Tech conglomerate is looking to boost sales after years of slowing growth for its flagship products
Summary
Apple's AI Expansion Plans:
Apple is revitalizing its AI strategy with new devices, including a tabletop robot launching in 2027, a smart speaker with a display in 2026, and home-security cameras.
The robot, resembling an iPad on a movable arm, features an advanced Siri for lifelike interactions, enhancing FaceTime and daily tasks. The smart display, running the Charismatic OS, supports multiuser functionality.
Apple's home-security cameras will automate household tasks using facial recognition.
These initiatives aim to boost sales amid slowing growth, countering criticism for lagging in generative AI. CEO Tim Cook emphasized an “amazing” product pipeline to restore Apple's innovation edge against competitors like Samsung and Meta.
Read full story at MoneyWeb…
FBI Issues Warning to All Smartphone Users — This Dangerous New Scam Could Be at Your Door
by Alyse Stanley
Here's how to stay protected against this new type of 'brushing' scam
Summary
The article describes a new type of “brushing” scam where criminals send unsolicited packages containing QR codes to trick victims into revealing personal and financial information.
The FBI warns that victims should be cautious of unsolicited packages and to avoid scanning QR codes from unknown origins.
Read full story at tom1qs guide…
Scientists Are Secretly Testing Unthinkable Technologies … Years Before They Exist
by Elizabeth Rayne
The “science fiction science” method could change how we implement new technology.
Summary
- It sounds fictional, but the “science fiction science” or “sci-fi-sci” method is meant to predict the effects of real upcoming technologies on society before things take a dystopian turn.
- Researchers are attempting to apply the scientific method to technologies that are still speculative, or have not yet made it into the mainstream.
- Having people virtually interact with things such as autonomous cars and advanced forms of AI could reveal social and ethical implications ahead of time.
Read full story at Popular Mechanics…
In Utilities
Californians and the Energy Transition
by Mark Baldassare and Tani Cantil-Sakauye
Majorities of California adults (62%) and likely voters (69%) believe that the effects of climate change have already begun to happen.
Summary
Californians support the state's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy, favoring solar, wind, and hydrogen over fossil fuels (71% to 27%). However, economic concerns, rising energy costs, and AI's growing electricity demands pose challenges.
Wildfires, linked to climate change, worry residents, with many viewing them as a personal and economic threat. Confidence in government wildfire response is low, and most believe state efforts fall short. Californians favor citizen engagement, supporting citizens' assemblies (62%) and online forums (49%) to influence environmental policy. A proposed 2026 ballot initiative for environmental education in schools garners 71% support, highlighting the energy transition's significance for future elections.
Read full story at PPIC…
Google Reveals How Much Energy a Gemini Query Uses - in Industry First
by Radhika Rajkumar, Editor
AI is spiking energy demands. Here's why Google's report matters.
Summary
Google's groundbreaking report on its Gemini chatbot reveals its energy footprint, estimating an average text prompt uses 0.24 watt-hours, emits 0.03 grams of CO2, and consumes 0.26 milliliters of water.
With 350 million monthly users, these impacts accumulate. Google's methodology, accounting for idle machines and infrastructure, shows higher but more accurate estimates than public assumptions.
Despite AI's rising energy demands, Google claims a 33x reduction in energy and 44x in carbon footprint over a year, unverified by third parties. As AI grows, such transparency could drive sustainable practices, though industry-wide renewable energy adoption remains critical.
Read full story at ZDNET…
White House names Democrat Rosner to lead FERC
by Ethan Howland
Agency observers expect the White House will replace Rosner once two pending Republican FERC nominees — Laura Swett and David LaCerte — are seated at the commission
Summary
The White House appointed David Rosner, a Democratic FERC member, as chairman. Rosner, who joined FERC in 2017 and became a commissioner in June 2024, aims to ensure reliable, affordable energy. He previously advised the U.S. Department of Energy and worked with the Senate Energy Committee.
Rosner prioritizes grid reliability, affordability, and infrastructure development, favoring consensus-driven decisions. Friends of the Earth opposed his nomination, citing a pro-natural gas bias. Rosner replaces Mark Christie, a Trump nominee who left FERC. With three commissioners, FERC maintains a quorum, but conflicts may delay votes until two vacant seats are filled, pending Senate approval of Trump's nominees, Laura Swett and David LaCerte.
Read full story at UtilityDive…