Space, Big Data and Business

By: Michael Douglas

Big data frontiers

Mobility The spread of information has become incredibly efficient

Social Media Companies are able to gather information on target markets

through applications like Facebook

Machine Data Data created by machines such as server logs on computers

The Internet of Things (IoT) A connection between “things” and the internet such as a

smart electric grid

And…

Geospatial image analytics

Historically, satellite images have been mostly used by the militaries of the world. Now, thanks to loosening regulation and cheaper technology, companies have access to that information.

Satellite imagery is transitioning from customer to commercial usage.

Supply Chain and Logistics Market Research Competitive Intelligence

Supply Chain and Logistics

Currently, companies like UPS and Amazon can track the location of their shipments.

However, thanks to current advancements, they will be able to track every single component of a supply chain: products, trucks, shipping, etc.

Market Research and planning

Thanks to advanced Geospatial imaging, companies will be able to track population fluctuations, density, and target market changes in real time. If a large housing complex is being put up right in

the heart of a city, companies could benefit from this new market

Competitive intelligence

Advanced imaging allows companies to gain information on competitionGoogle acquired Skybox Imaging which could allow

them to gain intelligence on a rival like Apple.

Ethical problems

The Ethical implications are similar to those of the internetRegulation problemsPrivacy IssuesBusiness ethics

Important Takeaways

Space is the next frontier for information systems technology

As technology in general evolves, previously unforeseen problems arise

What is your opinion about companies’ usages of satellite imagery?

References

http://www.informationweek.com/mobile/mobile-business/space-next-big-data-frontier/d/d-id/1306869?page_number=1

http://www.skyboximaging.com/products#analytics