GEOSPATIAL FRONTIERS
A Publication by Project Geospatial
LOOKING BEYOND
THE MAP
Geospatial Frontiers, a new publication from Project Geospatial, brings together leading voices and experts from across the geospatial ecosystem to tackle the industry's most pressing challenges. Through in-depth articles and discussions, Geospatial Frontiers aims to explore innovative solutions and spark critical conversations that will shape the future of geospatial technology and its applications.
AUTHORS
Adam Simmons
Keith Barber
Fred Woods
Matthew Husted
Open Source Geospatial Takes Center Stage for Resilience at FedGeoDay 2025
FedGeoDay 2025, held April 22nd in Washington D.C., was a packed and energized convergence of over 200 geospatial experts dedicated to a vital mission: building resilience through open source tools and data. Project Geospatial's coverage of the event revealed a community deeply committed to collaboration, showcasing everything from NASA's critical Earth observation data applications and foundational government datasets like USGS's 3DAP to the complexities of AI reliability, the dynamics of open data initiatives like OpenStreetMap and Overture Maps, and the necessity of robust cybersecurity. The day underscored the immense potential of open geospatial solutions in facing increasing challenges and the collective effort required to harness their power for societal benefit. The palpable energy and high turnout signaled a community ready to tackle complex problems together, leveraging open platforms for a more resilient future.
The Geodesy Crisis in the United States: A Comprehensive Analysis of its Importance, Workforce Challenges, and Potential Consequences
The United States is facing a looming crisis in its geodesy workforce, threatening the nation's capacity to maintain and advance this essential science. Our research delves into the definition, applications, and history of geodesy in the US, examining the workforce challenges and potential consequences if this crisis remains unaddressed.
Unlocking the Potential: Reimagining the Commercial Remote Sensing Market
The high cost of commercial remote sensing data is a major obstacle to widespread adoption. As Keith Barber notes, 'Right now, the price point is such that it's still cheaper to go hire 150 guys to walk that field than it is to use the technology.' By refactoring the executability of the commercial and government markets from a macro-economic perspective and moving to a Defense-wide budget, the price per image or access would decline, amortizing the value and creating a price point where commercial adoption would rapidly increase, essentially baselining the cost.