by Kyle Belott
1. December 2012 07:43
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The International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that by 2015 smartphone sales will reach 982 million and, according to Morgan Stanley, by 2014 mobile web users will surpass traditional desktop internet users. At first glance these facts seem astounding. But not if you take a closer look at how many of our daily interactions with a desktop PC are becoming increasingly augmented by the use of smart devices. These days many of us don’t even think twice about using smart devices to navigate unfamiliar destinations, manage our appointment calendar, take notes at a meeting, browse the Internet and conduct many other routine activities. We have the ability to respond to phone calls, emails, texts, social networking – from anywhere. Add to this the ability to capture, store and use data while in that mobile environment.
A major contributor to the widespread use of mobile data is the ability for a smart device to tie location information to an activity. It’s these kinds of spatial relationships that enable us to make better decisions regarding just about any activity, ranging from choosing an entertainment venue to collecting and analyzing data regarding physical land or water features. And…today’s location-based data is even more reliable based on the proliferation of GPS and mobile operating systems. What’s more, wireless communications including Wi-Fi and broadband, allow data to be immediately accessed and updated on the spot.
In the engineering and construction industries, those of us at the forefront of this technology are using smart devices with GIS mapping applications to make informed decisions in real time in the field. GIS applications can be developed to conduct an inventory of assets, track the maintenance of valuable resources and their protection, map activities such as complete wetland delineations and urban forestry identification, locate nearby amenities and services, and more.
At R.A. Smith National we have developed several mobile GIS applications, across several operating systems (Windows XP, Windows Mobile 6.5, Windows 7, Android) and web-based platforms for the mobile data capture of sanitary, storm, water, street sign and urban forestry. Contact me at kyle.belott@rasmithnational.com or 262-317-3364 to discuss how you can think mobile.
Read more about the emerging trends and opportunities for mobile data.
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Tags:
GIS | Technology
by Steve Miazga
20. November 2012 08:55
Ahhh, the holidays are upon us! It truly is a great time to be with friends and family. And if you are in the retail construction industry, it is time to get to the premier retail design and construction conference –
CenterBuild. The conference, put on by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), will be held November 28 – 30, 2012 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. If attendance is an indicator of a positive up-tick in our economy, then 2013 will be a great year as our conference attendance is approaching 1,300 professionals, up substantially over 2011.
This is the 30th anniversary of the CenterBuild Conference. Architects, retailers, developers and construction experts look forward to attending each year and the opportunities to stay current on retail development trends, expand their networks and share ideas on how to improve the projects they deliver. This year’s conference promises to once again provide a great agenda for learning. There will be more than 275 roundtable discussion topics offered (nearly all with AIA CEU approval), 12 dynamic educational workshops, as well as interactive case studies of great projects and their development. And don’t forget about the great networking at the conference! Networking receptions are held each evening and the format of the conference allows for plenty of connecting with friends and colleagues throughout the day.
With the larger attendance, we have once again brought back our Friday morning sessions. This year you may choose between two great concurrent sessions featuring leaders from top companies in the retail development world. The first will feature Walmart, Limited Brands and Target in a panel discussion regarding the use of in-house design staff versus hiring consultants. If you are more interested in how the major retailers roll-out their projects, you can attend the other session which is being presented by six national developers, retailers and contractors.
As co-chair of this year’s conference, I encourage you to attend if you have not made the decision to already. The R.A. Smith National team will be in attendance for the entire conference and we look forward to connecting with other professionals in this dynamic industry. Send me a note if you want to meet with one of us at the conference in Phoenix.
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