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AI + Location Intelligence

Organizations are pairing location intelligence with AI to automate tasks, make accurate business predictions, and gain insights from large amounts of data.

AI is powerful. With GIS, it can do even more.

AI combined with location intelligence is how we can realize the promise of AI: save time, drive value from data and imagery, make informed decisions faster.

Leaders in business and government sense the imperative to leverage advanced technology or risk being left behind. Combining AI with geographic information system (GIS) technology delivers real-world context to operations.

An island nation with rich green mountains and a busy dock

Powerful insights, real-world context

In this example, areas susceptible to landslides are mapped with GIS. Then, AI automatically identifies structures that may be at risk.

Who uses AI and location intelligence?

The powerful combination of AI and location intelligence has already changed how leading organizations manage operations. Integrating AI with GIS enables new levels of sustainability, efficiency, and growth. For more on these and other case studies, get the full AI ebook.

SUPPLY CHAIN

Managing global logistics in real time

FedEx's global logistics operation relies on extreme precision. To keep planes and deliveries on time, FedEx uses sophisticated enterprise GIS to track its fleet. That GIS is augmented with AI's predictive capabilities to identify when a plane would need parts or maintenance, making a complex supply chain even more efficient and on schedule.

A worker unloading a large shipment from an airplane

CLIMATE CHANGE

Seeing near real-time changes on earth

Microsoft partnered with Esri and Impact Observatory to build an AI-powered land-cover map. With AI and location intelligence, the ability to monitor global change can be repeated at a scale and frequency that could only be dreamed of before. The capability will help answer pressing questions about climate change and environmental crises.

A map that shows how much areas of the southern United States will be affected by sea level rise

RESILIENCE

Getting ahead of climate risk

Using big data and location-based technology, AT&T mapped climate risks in the US for the next 30 years. Location intelligence made it possible to predict supply chain vulnerability. The detailed analysis produced powerful information that countless other organizations can use to assess their own risk and operations.

Aerial view of cars driving on a flooded road

TRANSPORTATION

Protecting $40 billion in highway assets

Autobahn planners developed a deep learning program trained to identify indicators of road conditions on one of Germany's most important highways. Together, AI and location intelligence show exactly when and where to invest in roadwork to prevent closures and the need for serious repair. The pilot project proved these approaches can realistically forecast changing road conditions.

A map of the Autobahn, showing road conditions along small segments

LAND MANAGEMENT

Managing forests sustainably

Automation has streamlined the management of Finnish forests and helped fill an employment gap. An AI-driven algorithm is used to analyze imagery and weather and climate data to better predict forest inventory and maintenance needs. AI and location intelligence are used together to fuel proactive management that optimizes growth and harvest cycles.

Overhead view of a forest and wood being harvested

PROJECT PLANNING

Saving $100 million per year

The Army Corps of Engineers maintains water depth for ports and channels to streamline shipping in the United States. Pairing AI with location intelligence, planners analyze millions of vessel tracking pings to show where barges and container ships are getting slowed by sediment. Predicting where to dredge helps the Corps be proactive and precise about projects, saving $100 million a year.

A map of a shipping port with boat icons and red dots that show where dredging may be needed

Make superior decisions, faster

Decision-makers use AI and location intelligence for problems that involve big datasets and complex patterns. AI helps leaders make sense of situations and identify solutions quickly.

Automation

Automate tasks and repeat them quickly at scale, accelerating time to insights and decisions.

Prediction

Analyze past data and real-time information to accurately predict scenarios for risk, growth, or optimizing operations.

Pattern recognition

Search for patterns hidden in large amounts of data or imagery, and find the right places to take action.

Overhead view of a large parking lot

Finding the best use of space

This example shows AI detecting parking lots, information that could be used to plan development or model the benefits of solar coverings.

The emergence of geospatial artificial intelligence: GeoAI

The convergence of location intelligence and AI technologies such as machine learning and deep learning is becoming known as GeoAIā€”advanced geospatial data analytics made possible by GIS software.

GeoAI empowers organizations to answer complex and high-value questions at scales and frequencies never achieved before. Esri is the leader in location intelligence and enterprise GIS, helping customers integrate GeoAI into operations and workflows.

Explore GeoAI
Learn more about Esri
A worker in a cherry picker assessing a power line that runs through the branches of a tree

Promoting safety, preventing disruption

In this example, AI identifies areas where vegetation is threatening power lines, saving time and avoiding costly, labor-intensive inspections.

See AI + location intelligence in action

Download the ebook to see real-world examples of organizations using the combined power of AI and location intelligence to capture reality, simulate scenarios, and anticipate the future. Explore case studies across industries from organizations such as FedEx, Microsoft, and AT&T.