Mark Flaherty (MF): What is really missing from point GIS solutions is the business intelligence. And what is missing from many business intelligence solutions is the location intelligence. Bringing these two systems together is the first step in maximizing investment in either technology. What is interesting is that it might actually be the case that the pubic sector maybe ahead of private enterprises in this case. It seems the public sector recognizes the importance of geographic information, and a lot of these organizations do have BI software, too. So the building blocks are there. And now with our own recent product release we’ve brought these two systems together.
GIS and BI each brings a complementary approach to the other. The geographic approach to business intelligence enables geography to be a new means of organizing data. Location can relate disparate data in ways other traditional techniques have difficulty doing. Similarly business intelligence brings an industrial strength reporting environment to GIS. So those are the conceptual reasons why it’s a good idea to mash up these two technologies, if you will.
 |
View a 2-minute demonstration of InetSoft's easy, agile, and robust BI software. |
What are some of the business drivers for this integration? First of all, one of the key arguments, as I’ve already hinted at, is that it maximizes the return on investment, the ROI, of the software licensing for the necessary technology. In our case, now just one application need be acquired. If we bring GI and BI together, you get the functionality of each. So using them together results in a combined functionality that is greater than the sum of the parts. A third driver is avoiding inconsistency in reports that could arise if you purchased a point geographic information system and ran it along side some other BI application. With the unified solution like ours, you get one single view of organizational information. Lastly, quite simply, the unified system approach is going to yield lower administrative and operating costs.
Case Study: Leveraging Geographic Information and Business Intelligence in the Department of Transportation
The DOT oversees a complex network of transportation systems and infrastructure across the United States. The efficient management of these systems requires comprehensive data analysis and robust decision-making frameworks. Traditional data management methods were insufficient for handling the volume and complexity of the data involved. Consequently, the DOT turned to advanced GIS and BI tools to gain deeper insights and facilitate more informed decision-making.
Implementation of GIS and BI
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
GIS technology allows the DOT to visualize, analyze, and interpret spatial data, making it an invaluable tool for transportation planning and management. Key applications of GIS in the DOT include:
- Transportation Planning:
- GIS is used to develop detailed maps that display current transportation networks, identify gaps, and plan new infrastructure projects.
- It helps in modeling and simulating traffic patterns, enabling planners to anticipate future transportation needs and challenges.
- Asset Management:
- GIS enables the DOT to maintain an accurate inventory of transportation assets such as roads, bridges, and transit facilities.
- It provides real-time data on the condition and performance of these assets, facilitating timely maintenance and repair activities.
- Emergency Response:
- GIS supports the development of emergency response plans by mapping critical infrastructure and identifying vulnerable areas.
- It allows for real-time tracking of emergency situations, improving coordination and response times.
Business Intelligence (BI)
BI tools help the DOT to aggregate, analyze, and visualize data from various sources, providing actionable insights. Key applications of BI in the DOT include:
- Performance Monitoring:
- BI dashboards allow the DOT to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to transportation services and infrastructure.
- Real-time data visualization helps in quickly identifying and addressing performance issues.
- Decision Support:
- BI tools facilitate data-driven decision-making by providing comprehensive reports and predictive analytics.
- They help in evaluating the impact of different policy options and choosing the most effective strategies.
- Public Engagement:
- BI platforms enable the DOT to share relevant data and insights with the public, enhancing transparency and trust.
- Interactive tools allow citizens to access information on transportation projects and services, providing valuable feedback.
Case Example: Improving Traffic Management with GIS and BI
One notable example of the DOT's use of GIS and BI is in improving traffic management in urban areas. Traffic congestion is a major issue in many cities, leading to delays, increased fuel consumption, and higher emissions. The DOT implemented a GIS and BI-based solution to address this challenge.
Project Overview
The project aimed to reduce traffic congestion in a major metropolitan area by optimizing traffic flow and improving incident response times. Key components of the project included:
- Data Integration:
- The DOT integrated data from various sources, including traffic sensors, GPS devices, and social media feeds.
- This data was processed and analyzed using BI tools to identify congestion patterns and hotspots.
- Traffic Flow Analysis:
- GIS technology was used to create detailed maps of traffic flow, highlighting areas with frequent congestion.
- Predictive analytics helped in forecasting traffic volumes and identifying potential bottlenecks.
- Incident Management:
- Real-time data from traffic cameras and sensors allowed for quick detection of incidents such as accidents and breakdowns.
- GIS-based tools facilitated efficient deployment of emergency response teams and rerouting of traffic.
- Public Communication:
- The DOT developed a mobile app that provided real-time traffic updates and alternative route suggestions to commuters.
- BI dashboards shared on the DOT's website allowed the public to view traffic conditions and planned roadworks.
Outcomes
The implementation of GIS and BI tools resulted in significant improvements in traffic management:
- Reduced Congestion: The optimized traffic flow led to a noticeable decrease in congestion during peak hours.
- Faster Incident Response: Incident detection and response times were significantly reduced, minimizing the impact on traffic.
- Enhanced Public Satisfaction: The mobile app and online dashboards improved public access to information, leading to higher satisfaction levels.