The Harlow Report-GIS
2026 Edition
ISSN 0742-468XSince 1978
On-line Since 2000
GIS News Snippets
For the week of
March 2, 2026
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A "Harlow Report" From March 3, 2025
5 GIS Trends to Look for in 2025
by Chris Harlow
Don't get too excited; my guess is as good as yours
As you might expect, to produce this newsletter I have to read a lot of stories, press releases and opinions about GIS. So, when asked what I thought the import trends in GIS are I immediately thought about the interaction of GIS and AI. Later, I gave it some more thought. So here (in no particular order) are what I think will be the 5 key trends for this year. These reflect a mix of technological advancements, industry applications, and societal needs, drawn from ongoing developments in geospatial technology.
1. AI-Driven Geospatial Analysis
Artificial Intelligence (AI), including machine learning and generative AI, is supercharging GIS by automating complex data analysis and uncovering patterns in massive datasets. Think predictive maintenance in utilities or real-time disaster risk mapping—AI tools like Esri's ArcGIS Reality are creating digital twins and 3D models from satellite imagery, making GIS smarter and faster.
2. Real-Time Data Integration with IoT
The fusion of GIS with the Internet of Things (IoT) is delivering real-time spatial insights. Smart cities use IoT sensors to track traffic or air quality, feeding data into GIS for instant analysis—think optimizing energy flows in utility grids or managing outages with live updates.
3. Cloud-Based GIS Adoption
Cloud GIS is exploding as organizations ditch desktop-only systems for scalable, collaborative platforms. It's cost-effective, centralizes data, and supports real-time teamwork—key for businesses managing supply chains or governments planning infrastructure.
4. Open Data and Interoperability
The push for open geospatial data—like OpenStreetMap or Overture Maps—is democratizing GIS, letting communities and businesses tap into shared datasets. Interoperable systems are also key, reducing silos and enabling seamless data mashups.
5. 3D Mapping and Augmented Reality (AR)
GIS is going 3D, with tools like Esri's CityEngine or mobile apps like Collector for ArcGIS overlaying spatial data onto the real world via AR. From visualizing building heights for urban design to showing underground utilities for fieldwork, this trend enhances how we interact with spatial data. It's a game-changer for industries like real estate and energy, where precise, immersive visuals drive planning and efficiency.
Predicting trends in technology is tricky. Some brilliant ideas may flop for lack of interest or understanding (think Apple's AR goggles). Sometimes new tech just pops up and makes its predecessor obsolete (think Blackberry vs. iPhone). Then there are those “heartless end users”who see a new way and abandon you (think Blockbuster vs. Netflix).
So, in the end, keep an eye on how my suggestions evolve as the year unfolds! I'm sure I missed some, particularly industry specific trends, such as the dramatic improvements in the use of drones for survyeing land masses. If you think of one let me know
Now back to 2026
Amazon Location Service Introduces LLM Context as a Kiro Power and Claude Code Plugin to Improve AI Performance
by AWS
Amazon Location Service is a mapping service that offers geospatial data and location functionality such as maps, places search and geocoding, route planning, device tracking, and geofencing.
Summary
Amazon Location Service recently announced the launch of curated AI Agent context, now available as a Kiro power, Claude Code plugin, and open-format agent skill. This integration allows developers to leverage generative AI tools like Cursor and Claude Code to enhance code accuracy and streamline the implementation of geospatial features.
By providing pre-validated patterns and step-by-step instructions, the context simplifies the development of essential location-based functions—such as route visualization, geofencing, and address entry forms—reducing the time spent on complex API integration.
Currently, Amazon Location Service is accessible across numerous global AWS Regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. This release empowers developers to focus on unique application logic while utilizing Amazon's robust mapping and tracking capabilities through “intelligent” assistance.
Read full story at AWS…
Geotargeting: How Location-Based Digital Marketing Works
by Nicole Forrest
Learn what geotargeting is, how it works, and how to avoid it with our easy guide to location-based digital marketing.
Summary
Geotargeting is a digital marketing strategy that uses location data to deliver personalized content and ads based on a user's geographic location.
This strategy combines location signals with user behavior, device data, and timing triggers to determine the most relevant content to show at a particular time.
Geotargeting methods include IP address tracking, GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth triangulation, cell tower triangulation, and IP address-based geolocation, each with varying levels of accuracy.
Read full story at Private Internet Access…
How Google Maps Protects Against Fake Content
by Christina Wichiencharoen
Here are three ways Google stops policy-violating content from being submitted to Google Maps.
Summary
The article describes how Google Maps protects against fake content. Google Maps uses automated technologies and expert teams to detect and remove fake reviews and other policy-violating content.
Additionally, Google Maps implements proactive measures to protect places during sensitive moments, such as elections, and imposes longer-term protections for places with consistently unhelpful or harmful content.
Read full story at Google Maps Blog…
Illinois' Next Generation 911 Maps Emergencies for Faster Response
by Brooks Shannon
How Illinois used GIS to modernize its 911 system across 117 emergency centers, improving response times and school safety.
Summary
Cindy Barbera-Brelle, Illinois's statewide 911 administrator, is spearheading a massive modernization effort to transition the state to a Next Generation 911 (NG911) system. By employing a coordinated enterprise approach and geographic information system (GIS) technology, the project has successfully transitioned 114 answering points, with only 12 remaining.
The initiative focuses on geospatial routing to ensure emergency calls reach the correct public safety answering point (PSAP) instantly. Through collaborations with the Illinois GIS Association, the team established rigorous data standards and utilized ArcGIS dashboards for quality control. Barbera-Brelle's strategy emphasizes consistent communication across diverse counties. Furthermore, the project has expanded to include school interior mapping to assist first responders, reflecting a commitment to “intelligent” safety infrastructure and reduced response times.
Read full story at Esri Blog…
Testbed Europe: Shaping the Future of Geospatial Innovation Together
by OGC Press Release
Testbed Europe is an emerging Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) initiative exploring how Europe's geospatial ecosystem can evolve to meet rapidly changing technical, policy, and operational demands.
Summary
Testbed Europe, an OGC initiative, explores how Europe's geospatial ecosystem can evolve to meet changing demands.
It provides a neutral, standards-based environment for public authorities, industry, and stakeholders to collaboratively explore new approaches before operational commitments.
The initiative focuses on eight thematic areas, including automated map production, hybrid cloud architectures, and AI governance, aligning with EU policies for a secure and interoperable data market.
Read full story at OGC…
Industry News
In Government
AI Is 'The Wild West Right Now.' These Experts Explain How Cities Can Use It Ethically.
by Ryan Kushner
Intention, transparency and human accountability are key metrics for ethical artificial intelligence deployment, according to experts on a recent CivicLabs panel.
Summary
A recent CivicLabs Roundtable panel concluded that while AI cannot be inherently ethical, the responsibility for its moral application rests entirely with human curators. Experts likened AI to a vehicle—a tool that is neither good nor bad but requires rigorous human oversight to ensure accountability and fairness. For local governments navigating this “wild west,” the key to ethical implementation lies in solving specific problems with transparency and creating systems that are both verifiable and defendable.
The panelists emphasized that ethical AI must prioritize public interest over mere efficiency. This includes maintaining a “human in the loop” to mitigate biases, particularly regarding accessibility for people with disabilities. Ultimately, the challenge is not the technology itself, but how humans design and govern these autonomous systems.
Read full story at Smartcotoes Dive…
Managing Device End-of-Life in State and Local Government
by Chris Coughlin
Appropriately disposing of IT assets can support agency missions with compliance, modernization and funding.
Summary
State and local governments must prioritize secure data disposal and asset management when retiring IT devices.
A well-planned end-of-life (EOL) process, including data migration, remarketing, and documentation, ensures compliance, minimizes disruption, and can even generate funding for future technology upgrades. By treating EOL as a governed, security-first process, agencies can protect data, maintain service continuity, and optimize budgets.
Read full story at StateTech…
White House Cyber Shop Is Crafting AI Security Policy Framework, Top Official Says
by David DiMolfetta
ONCD chief Sean Cairncross also said a bedrock National Cyber Strategy, initially expected last month, is coming “sooner rather than later” without specifying a date.
Summary
The White House Office of the National Cyber Director is collaborating with the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop an AI security framework. National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross emphasized that the goal is to integrate security foundationally into U.S. AI tech stacks rather than treating it as a friction point for innovation. This proactive approach seeks to avoid the pitfalls of the internet’s early development, where security was secondary to commerce and ease of use.
The framework aims to mitigate risks like data poisoning and the rise of agentic tools used for automated hacking. Simultaneously, the office is finalizing a broader National Cyber Strategy focused on offensive operations and workforce development. Cairncross indicated this strategy will be released “sooner rather than later,” though a specific date remains unconfirmed.
Read full story at NextGov…
In Technology
Copilot Quietly Grabs Your Data From Other Microsoft Products Now - Here's How to Opt Out
by Lance Whitney
A new setting in Copilot will access data from Bing, MSN, Edge, and other services. You can disable this if you're worried about your privacy.
Summary
Microsoft Copilot's new “Microsoft usage data” setting allows the AI to access data from other Microsoft products like Bing and Edge to personalize conversations.
While this can enhance the user experience, it raises privacy concerns. Users can disable this setting in the Copilot website or mobile app under the “Memory”option to prevent data sharing.
Read full story at ZDNet…
Hegseth Gives Anthropic Until Friday to Back Down on AI Safeguards
by Dave Lawler & Maria Curi
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei until Friday evening to give the military unfettered access to its AI model or face harsh penalties, Axios has learned.
Summary
The Pentagon is in a dispute with Anthropic over AI safeguards, demanding the company allow its model, Claude, to be used for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.
Anthropic, while willing to adapt its usage policies, refuses to compromise on these ethical concerns. The Pentagon is considering using the Defense Production Act to force Anthropic's compliance or severing its contract, though finding a suitable replacement for Claude's capabilities remains a challenge.
Read full story at Axios…
Nvidia Smashes Forecasts With Record Quarter as AI Boom Rolls On
by Yahoo Finance Staff
Nvidia Smashes Forecasts With Record Quarter as AI Boom Rolls On
Summary
Nvidia became the first company to briefly surpass a $5 trillion valuation in October, fueled by explosive demand for its AI chips. It commands an 81% market share in data center chips, per International Data Corporation data, driving a 12-fold stock surge since ChatGPT's November 2022 launch.
In the October quarter, sales and profits rose over 60% year-over-year, beating Wall Street estimates. The company unveiled its next-generation Vera Rubin chip and now projects record revenue approaching $500 billion in 2026.
Read full story at Yahoo Finance…
In Utilities
Data Center Boom Is Fueling an Expansion of Natural Gas Projects
by Naveena Sadasivam & Jake Bittle
AI facilities may end up emitting carbon dioxide at levels equivalent to millions of passenger cars each year.
Summary
The surge in data center construction, driven by the AI boom, is leading to a significant increase in natural gas projects. Companies like Boom Supersonic are providing gas turbines to power these data centers, raising concerns about the climate impact.
While some data centers are exploring renewable energy sources, many are opting for natural gas due to its reliability and the challenges of securing power from traditional utilities.
Read full story at Truthout…
Energy Department Announces Largest Loan in Department History
by Dept of Energy
Over $7 Billion in Electricity Cost Savings for Georgia and Alabama Customers
Summary
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright announced a historic $26.5 billion loan package aimed at reducing electricity costs for millions in Georgia and Alabama. Facilitated through the Office of Energy Dominance Financing, this investment is projected to deliver over $7 billion in consumer savings.
The initiative aligns with President Trump’s executive order, “Unleashing American Energy,” and is funded via the Working Families Tax Cut to bolster grid reliability and job creation.
The package supports the construction or upgrade of 16 gigawatts of power generation—including gas, nuclear, and hydropower—alongside 1,300 miles of transmission projects. By reducing Southern Company's interest expenses by $300 million annually, the loans help expedite rate freezes and long-term energy security, marking a decisive shift toward American energy dominance.
Read full story at >Dept of Energy…
Energy policy roadmap: What utilities can expect through 2026
by Aaron Foyer
Take a look at what progress has been made on Project 2025 energy sector policy recommendations to shed light on what Orennia might expect to see in 2026.
Summary
The implementation of Project 2025 energy policies has shifted the American landscape from climate-focused initiatives toward “American Energy Dominance.” Leveraging strategic preparation, the administration has prioritized reliability and geopolitical power. Key actions include rescinding the LNG export pause, terminating renewable subsidies via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and fast-tracking nuclear and geothermal baseload projects.
The U.S. has adopted a state-sponsored capitalist approach to secure critical mineral supply chains while streamlining nuclear regulations to under 18-month approval cycles. Centered on “America First” principles, the executive has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement and challenged international mandates like the IMO’s fuel standards. Looking toward 2026, the strategy involves rolling back EPA authority and expanding energy interests into the Arctic and Venezuela to ensure long-term resource security.
Read full story at UtilityDive…
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