Cloud Computing

Location-based data and analysis are considered so critical to the understanding of a business’ operations that business analytics software companies routinely and prominently boast maps as part of their dashboard visualization toolkits. But Gartner, the market research company, gives scant mention of the importance of location intelligence. Editor in Chief Joe Francica looks at what’s missing from its most recent “Magic Quadrant” report. 

CloudMade is best known for making OpenStreetMap a more valuable data platform for software developers. In February, the company enhanced its offerings to address the needs of today’s location-based services developers. Directions Magazine interviewed Nick Black, CloudMade co-founder and VP Product, to explore the CloudMade 2013 vision.

Mark Smith, CEO and chief research officer of Ventana Research, provides a detailed analysis of the current state of location analytics and why mobile devices and social media are propelling application development for for better business insights. 

Each new release of Safe Software’s FME is basically a milestone for the company and for geospatial software users. The data formats supported and features added reflect “what we are up to” in the use of our favorite products and data sources. Directions Magazine asked Safe President Don Murray and Vice President of Software Development Dale Lutz to address data format and industry trends reflected in the new release.

In early December Editor in Chief Joe Francica got an exclusive first look at Intergraph's totally retooled and integrated software solutions for GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry and server-based options. This review of the geospatial product suite is based on extensive interviews with Intergraph's product managers and first-hand demonstrations granted exclusively to Directions Magazine.

As we move into 2013, Directions Magazine will deliver many more options for readers who want choices in how they get their news. See what's coming!

Directions Magazine’s Editor in Chief Joe Francica and Executive Editor Adena Schutzberg evaluate their predictions for 2012 and look ahead. Can they keep up the pace for 2013 and do their bold predictions offer insights into the trends that will shape the geospatial marketplace next year?

Each year Executive Editor Adena Schutzberg picks out 10 events, ideas, themes, products, etc. that stood out over the preceding 12 months.

URISA’s 50th anniversary event, GIS-Pro 2012, celebrated the past in a respectful, conservative way with familiar themes, presenters and awardees. Executive Editor Adena Schutzberg asks, does this provide a glimpse into its next 50 years?