The Harlow Report-GIS
2025 Edition
ISSN 0742-468XSince 1978
On-line Since 2000
GIS News Snippets
For the week of
September 1, 2025
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A “Harlow Report” From September 02, 2024
Generative AI in the Geospatial Sector
Generative AI in the Geospatial Sector
by Tim Chilton
Tim Chilton, UK Consulting Lead at Ordnance Survey (OS), reflects on the rising trend of AI in the geospatial sector, and how geospatial teams can benefit right now.
What is GenAI?
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has become one of the most talked-about technology trends, due to its ability to create new content including text, images, videos, and even geospatial data. It is one of the most talked about technology trends of recent years, with frequent new discoveries and applications.
Behind the hype, businesses are looking for and finding real applications of GenAI that is transforming how their teams work. By speaking with our government and industry customers and partners, we learned how they are applying GenAI in their organisations, their successes, and challenges.
Where to start?
So, how can GenAI help you, your team, and your organisation work smarter in your day-to-day work, improving efficiency and making a positive difference for you and your customers?
You might not know where to start; perhaps you think you don't have the right expertise in place; or maybe your current technology lacks the capability. But there are opportunities available right now to achieve some immediate impact and help shift perceptions of GenAI within your teams.
Some real examples from our customers and from within OS where GenAI has had a positive benefit:
Read full story at Ordance Survey (U.K.)…
Now back to 2025
Defense Geospatial Market Size is Experiencing Rapid Growth, Presently Valued At $367.4 Billion by 2032
by Allied Market Research
The growth of the global defense geospatial market is being propelled by the rising demand for reconnaissance and surveillance, along with the integration of geospatial systems with other defense technologies.
Summary
The global defense geospatial market is projected to grow from $126.4 billion in 2022 to $367.4 billion by 2032, driven by increasing demand for reconnaissance and surveillance. This growth is further fueled by the integration of geospatial systems with other defense technologies, despite challenges like high implementation costs and data privacy concerns.
North America currently leads the market, but the LAMEA region is expected to experience significant growth.
Read full story at Newstrail…
European Network Exploring Research into Geospatial Information Crowdsourcing (ENERGIC)
by Muki Haklay
New and unprecedented sources of geographic information have recently become available in the form of user-generated web content.
Summary
The European Network Exploring Research into Geospatial Information Crowdsourcing (ENERGIC) focuses on the integration and application of volunteered geographic information (VGI) and citizen science.
This network of excellence aims to fill the gap in research on VGI and its potential value for citizen-based decision-making in the EU.
Read full story at UCL Social & Historical Sciences…
Google Earth AI: Our state-of-the-art geospatial AI models
by Chris Phillips & Yossi Matias
Introducing Google Earth AI, our collection of geospatial AI models and datasets to address critical global challenges.
Summary
Google has launched Google Earth AI, a suite of geospatial models and datasets aimed at addressing critical global challenges. This includes AlphaEarth Foundations, enhancing efforts in geospatial reasoning.
The AI models support advanced weather predictions, flood forecasting, and wildfire detection, while also aiding urban planning and public health through insights into imagery, population dynamics, and urban mobility.
These technologies power features like flood and wildfire alerts in Google Search and Maps, and provide actionable data via Google Earth, Google Maps Platform, and Google Cloud. Google remains committed to using AI to deliver vital information for tackling major global issues.
Read full story at Google Earth Blog…
The Future of Geospatial Data Demands a New Approach to Management
by Norman Barker
Geospatial data serves as the foundation for many mission-critical and time-sensitive applications, including Earth observation, location-based services, defense, population health, and more
Summary
Geospatial data, essential for applications like Earth observation and defense, is diverse, including point clouds, polygons, and rasters. Its value grows with aggregation, but managing varied data types is costly and complex.
Collaborative projects face challenges like data governance risks and format compatibility. Technical issues include scaling clusters for parallel processing, configuring spatial relational databases, and cleaning error-prone data, which consumes 80–90% of data scientists' time.
A unified, multimodal cloud-native database is proposed to handle geospatial and other data types efficiently, supporting billions of geometries, reducing egress, and enabling faster queries. Serverless advances further enhance performance, cost-efficiency, and data quality, simplifying overlays for comprehensive insights.
Read full story at xyHt…
USGS Unveils New National Geologic Map
by USGS
A Comprehensive, Interactive Web Tool for Understanding the Nation's Geology
Summary
This article describes the release of a new national geologic map by the USGS.
The map is the most detailed and interactive version to date, providing users with access to multiple layers of geologic data for one location. The map was developed using a faster, mostly automated solution that combined geologic maps from various sources.
Read full story at USGS…
Industry News
In Government
DARPA Aims for Interoperability Between Classic and Quantum Communication
by ALEXANDRA KELLEY
quantum information technologies with modern networking infrastructure is part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's plan for safer, faster digital networks.
Summary
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's QuANET program, launched in March 2024, aims to integrate quantum and traditional computing networks to enhance U.S. infrastructure.
Program Manager Allyson O'Brien emphasizes addressing the overlooked aspect of quantum networking, focusing on leveraging quantum systems for improved privacy, security, and efficiency in data transmission. Unlike quantum computing, QuANET prioritizes quantum-time synchronization and sensing. A key deliverable is the qNIC, a quantum networking card designed to standardize quantum information channels, enabling seamless integration into existing devices. Spanning five years, QuANET's three phases focus on qNIC design, fiber infrastructure, and over-air links, aiming to revolutionize secure communications for critical infrastructure like hospitals and financial institutions.
Read full story at NextGov/FCW…
Florida Governor, CFO Launch DOGE-Style Local Government Audits
by Maura Webber Sadovi
Broward County and Gainesville are the first communities to receive letters from the governor requesting financial and DEI information and access to offices, data and personnel.
Summary
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, resulting in significant federal job cuts and funding reductions.
Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed former state senator Ingoglia as the state's CFO, following Jimmy Patronis' departure for Congress. Ingoglia, echoing his predecessor's approach, requested financial data from Gainesville and Broward County, including compensation and DEI details Ascending(1) details, citing state constitutional authority for access to city records and systems on July 31 and August 1, 2025.
Read full story at SmartCities Dive…
Inside Virginia's AI-Driven Streamlining of Regulations
by Chris Teale
The effort will be led by Vulcan Technologies, a startup founded by three Ivy League graduates with big plans to expand to other states and the federal government.
Summary
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed an executive order mandating the use of agentic artificial intelligence to streamline regulations.
The effort, led by startup Vulcan Technologies, aims to address the “structural problem” in government where elected officials' agendas are blocked by red tape. Vulcan's AI agents will map out Virginia's laws and regulations, identifying overlaps and discrepancies, and potentially leading to a 50% reduction in regulations.
Read full story at Route-Fifty…
In Technology
If You Hear This 4-Word Phrase When You Pick Up the Phone, Hang Up Immediately
by Brooke Nelson Alexander
This common four-word phone scam could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Here's some expert advice on how to spot and avoid it.
Summary
The “Can you hear me?” phone scam tricks victims into saying “yes,” which scammers record to authorize fraudulent transactions.
To avoid this, don‘t answer unknown numbers, verify callers, and use call-blocking apps. If scammed, report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, secure accounts, and monitor credit. Experts recommend establishing a safe word with loved ones to counter voice-cloning scams.
Read full story at Reader's Digest…
Microsoft Fixes Critical Copilot Flaw Allowing Audit Log Evasion
by Rabia Noureen
Silent Microsoft 365 Copilot flaw fix raises concerns over hidden data breaches and disclosure practices.
Summary
The article describes a critical flaw in Microsoft 365 Copilot that allowed hackers to access and summarize enterprise files without generating audit log entries.
The vulnerability was discovered by Zack Korman, who reported it to Microsoft in July 2025. Microsoft fixed the issue on August 17, 2025, but chose not to notify customers or disclose the vulnerability publicly.
Read full story at Petri…
New Scam Trick: Fake Sites That Look Too Good
by Kim Komando
Here's the newest con in town: Scammers are using AI to clone legit websites, and they're scary good at it. I'm talking about perfect logos, identical layouts, right down to the fonts and buttons. The crazy part is that they spin these sites up in minutes
Summary
The article describes a new scam where scammers use AI to clone legitimate websites. The article suggests that users should be cautious of websites with unusual URLs, extra words or dashes, or weird endings.
Also, it recommends building a bookmark list for important accounts and using official apps from the App Store or Google Play.
Read full story at KimKomando…
In Utilities
National Grid Ventures to Test Pioneering Hydrogen-Fueled Linear Generator
by Clarion Energy Content Directors
National Grid Ventures (NGV) plans to install what it's calling the world's first commercially-deployed, 100% hydrogen-fueled linear generator in the world at its Northport Power Plant on Long Island in New York.
Summary
National Grid Ventures (NGV) will deploy the world's first 100% hydrogen-fueled linear generator at Northport Power Plant, Long Island, by September 2026.
The generator, developed by Mainspring Energy, uses a low-temperature, flameless reaction to produce power during peak demand. It will run on green hydrogen for a 12-month test, supported by NYSERDA, LIPA, and NGV, with Stony Brook University and Mainspring as partners.
The project aims to validate the generator as a Dispatchable Emission-Free Resource (DEFR). Stony Brook's AERTC will evaluate performance, emissions, and efficiency. NYISO projects a need for 20 gigawatts of DEFRs by 2040 to meet New York's clean energy goals.
Read full story at Power Engineering…
Public Power Utilities Apply Lessons from Hurricanes to Build Grid Resiliency and Disaster Preparedness
by Adam Patterson
Public power utilities across storm-prone areas of the Pacific Rim and Eastern Seaboard are taking a proactive approach to building grid strength and disaster preparedness
Summary
Public power utilities in storm-prone areas are proactively building grid resiliency and disaster preparedness.
Five utilities, including those in Florida, Guam, North Carolina, Delaware, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, collaborated with APPA to share case studies on mitigating the impact of future disasters.
Their strategies include reinforcing infrastructure, utilizing new technologies, and implementing smart grid systems to enhance resiliency.
Read full story at American Public Power Association…
Utility Receives PSC Approval for Infrastructure Investments to Support Meta Data Center in Louisiana
by Paul Ciampoli
The Louisiana Public Service Commission recently approved an agreement that paves the way for Entergy Louisiana to move forward with major infrastructure investments tied to Meta's new data center in Richland Parish, La.
Summary
The Louisiana Public Service Commission has approved an agreement enabling Entergy Louisiana to advance infrastructure projects for Meta's new data center in Richland Parish.
This includes constructing three efficient combined cycle combustion turbine facilities, two in Richland Parish (operational by late 2028) and one at Waterford in St. Charles Parish (by end of 2029). Entergy will also build transmission facilities to support the data center and enhance grid reliability.
Additionally, the Commission authorized procuring up to 1,500 megawatts of solar resources to meet sustainability goals. Entergy has begun work on a key substation, reinforcing its commitment to regional growth and economic development.
Read full story at American Public Power Association…