Geospatial intelligence drives the future of GIS
A review on the successful 2023 Geospatial Information Software Technology Conference
On June 27th and 28th, the 2023 Geospatial Information Software Technology Conference was held at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, with the theme of "Geospatial Intelligence, Elevated by Integration". Government leaders and academicians from China, experts, and business representatives from China and abroad exchanged ideas of geospatial intelligence technology and gave insights into its broad application prospects.
Plenary Conference: heated discussion and eye-catching new products
The plenary conference commenced on the 27th. Speakers invited are leaders from China’s national ministries and commissions, presidents of universities and other research institutions, and business representatives. Reporting on real 3D China, digital twin water conservancy, AI large-scale model, AI and smart land, multi-modal satellite image integration, and enterprise digital transformation, they explained the innovative achievements brought by deep integration of geospatial intelligence technology and IT technology, and shed light on the future application trend.
The conference specially set up an "experts’ dialogue" session. Centering around the theme of opportunities and challenges for the deep integration of geospatial intelligence technology and IT technology amid the emergence of new technologies like ChatGPT and AI large-scale model, speakers had heated discussions, and exchanged ideas of the broad prospects of geospatial intelligence made possible by AI and geographic information technology.
In the conference, SuperMap Software Group, a leading GIS platform manufacturer in Asia and second globally, officially released the latest version of SuperMap GIS series products - SuperMap GIS 2023. Apart from having updated the current products, SuperMap also released a number of new products in SuperMap GIS 2023, including cross-platform remote sensing image processing desktop software [SuperMap ImageX Pro (Beta)], cross-platform nautical chart production desktop software (SuperMap iMaritimeEditor), web-side 3D geographic design application (SuperMap iDesigner3D), 3D WebGPU client [SuperMap iClient3D for WebGPU (Beta)].
This series of products help realize the processing and application of remote sensing data throughout the whole process, achieving the integration of remote sensing and GIS. They also meet the needs of nautical chart production and support online geographic design based on real geographic environments. The rendering performance and effect of 3D Web client have been improved through WebGPU technology, which will bring unprecedented experience and value to users.
SuperMap GIS 2023 has also enhanced the capabilities of cloud GIS server, edge GIS server, terminal GIS, and other products, and has further improved the five major technical systems (BitDC) of GIS platform software, namely big data GIS, AI (Artificial Intelligence) GIS, new 3D GIS, distributed GIS and cross-platform GIS technology system, providing better support for the informatization of various industries.
Dr. Song Guanfu, Chairman of the Board of SuperMap Software Group, introduced the concepts of geospatial intelligence and the geospatial intelligence pyramid in his report “Integration of Remote Sensing and GIS, Accelerating from Spatial Data to Geospatial Intelligence". He also introduced the new generation of remote sensing processing software released by SuperMap, which features integration, cross-platform, intelligent processing, and high computing performance.
GIS International Forum: representatives of governments and businesses from around the world to share developments in the GIS industry and its future
On June 28th, the GIS International Forum echoed the heating atmosphere of the plenary conference. Around 150 international representatives of governments, businesses, and universities from 28 countries gathered at the venue, discussing the latest developments and application cases in their own countries. Topics discussed include remote sensing, multi-source data, smart schools, smart cities, AI, cadastre, and minerals.
Mr. Francisco Garrido, CEO of GeoVirtual, introduced the cadastral situation in Mexico, the challenges it faced, and some practices to build smart city in the country to make life easier and better for citizens. Mr. Tomás Guillermo Troncoso Martínez, Technical Director of GeoSupport S.A. delivered his report on the mining operation in Chile. He gave a general introduction to the mining industry in Chile and talked about the application of GIS in the production process to improve efficiency and facilitate production.
Mr. Francisco Garrido delivering his speech
Mr. Tomás Guillermo Troncoso Martínez delivering his speech
Ms. Diane Dumashie, President of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), delivered her closing remarks via video call. She praised this international forum as an attractive event, as it provided a platform for speakers and guests to discuss a wide range of interesting topics in the GIS domain to take advantage of geospatial technology.
“As the power of geospatial technology continues to be realized in a growing number of industries and applications, the role of the geospatial and surveying profession has never been more important than it is now,” Diane said.
During the two-day conference, a variety of exhibitions have also been held. In the three thematic exhibition areas, attendees could see the latest technological achievements and practices of geographic information and IT digitization manufacturers, as well as the latest progress in the integration of SuperMap GIS and remote sensing.
