The Summary Report of the Canadian Geomatics Environmental Scan and Value Study, prepared by Hickling Arthurs Low and associates for Natural Resources Canada is now available for download.
The report provides highlights on the geomatics sector in Canada; domestic and global trends (market, technology, social, economic, open data) involving geospatial information and Canada’s position relative to those trends; the significance and value of the geomatics sector and geospatial information to Canadian society and the economy; and, the traditional and changing roles of government, industry and academia in producing and using geospatial data and information as new opportunities driven by global trends and new players in the market emerge.
The two Findings Reports that make up The Canadian Geomatics Environmental Scan and Value Study represents the most comprehensive assessment of geomatics and geospatial information in Canada to date:
· The Canadian Geomatics Environmental Scan Findings Report is an independent assessment of the sector, the key players and its operating context;
· The Value Study Findings Report is a detailed analysis of the economic and non-economic benefits associated with the use of geospatial technologies and services. It defines for the first time, the overall economic gains to the Canadian economy associated with the use of geospatial information.
What is geospatial information (GI) and why is it important?
Geospatial information (GI) identifies “where” natural, built or cultural objects are located relative to the Earth – in other words, their geographic location. Combining location with other forms of data allows for better and more informed decision making.
GI is used in a wide variety of applications:
- by business – e.g. transportation, construction, retail and marketing, utilities, natural resource management;
- by government – e.g. property rights and boundaries, elections, weather, asset management, emergency response;
- by universities and colleges – e.g. research;
- by not-for-profit organizations – e.g. conservation; monitoring; and
- by consumers – e.g. social networking, leisure, tourism, shopping.
The Geomatics Sector produces GI and makes the production and use of GI possible for others through geospatial services and technologies. The Sector includes organizations from industry, government and academic institutions that:
- create or capture geospatial data (e.g. through surveying, digitization, satellites); process, analyze and/or display GI;
- deliver location-based services; and/or
- develop geospatial technologies (e.g. sensors, positioning systems).
Please visit the Canadian Geomatics Study page on the Natural Resources Canada web site for more information, or to download your copy of the Summary Report.
Source: Natural Resources Canada