Mark Flaherty (MF): We are now at a place where geographic intelligence and business intelligence can combine to make a positive impact on processes and business results. We have reached a tipping point where location based information is recognized to provide a competitive advantage for organizations who use it well. The new visualization technologies improve the way we perceive geography and its potential.
Geographic business intelligence software such as InetSoft's allows enterprises to build complete intelligent geographic information systems and deploy GIS functionality across the enterprise.
The ability to link location to other critical information in the business decision-making processes is attracting customers from a wide variety of industries. These kind of BI applications provide quick access to digital maps that can contain multiple layers of information.
On the business side this is a suite of applications that provides access to disparate operational data including business analytics, extensive visualization tools, for example, charting, and a secure enterprise reporting environment. This means there is more relevant and actionable information from existing operational databases and it can be distributed to those who can put it to use for the benefit of the organization.
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The potential for geographic business intelligence is significant. Geographic intelligence and business intelligence are natural partners. Organizations that use geographic information intelligently stand to benefit.
The business intelligence platform that InetSoft provides starts with access to enterprise information management systems such as CRM systems, any relational database, structured and unstructured data, and data warehouses. All of which can be mashed up to be used as virtual operational reporting databases. This information can then be presented using InetSoft visualization and reporting tools as management reports, corporate dashboards, and scorecards. Visualization of data allows people to analyze their information and answer business questions most efficiently.
A prime example would be a combined dashboard with a financial metrics bar chart on one side and geographic map of the distribution of some metric found in the chart. Selections from a selection list will filter data in both views simultaneously. Another example would be mass distribution to internal colleagues or external partners. So you can save the information and email it. The people receive, for example, a PDF which contains summary information and embedded map which will have business intelligence information overlaid on top of it.
Case Study: Enhancing Seismic Surveying with Geographic Intelligence Software
GeoWave Surveys is a seismic surveying company specializing in providing detailed subsurface data for oil and gas exploration, mineral prospecting, and infrastructure projects. Established in 2005, GeoWave serves global clients, focusing primarily on the energy sector, where precise subsurface imaging is essential for locating reservoirs and mitigating drilling risks. Despite being a leader in seismic data collection, the company faced several challenges:
- Data Complexity: Processing large volumes of raw seismic data was time-consuming and often lacked spatial context.
- Inefficiencies: GeoWave relied on traditional geographic information systems (GIS), which limited real-time decision-making capabilities in the field.
- Environmental Concerns: The energy industry's shift towards environmentally friendly exploration methods increased the pressure on GeoWave to deliver more accurate, non-invasive data collection processes.
To overcome these hurdles, GeoWave adopted Geographic Intelligence Software (GIS) to integrate advanced data visualization and real-time decision support into their seismic survey operations.
Challenges
Before integrating geographic intelligence software, GeoWave faced several operational and strategic challenges:
- Time-Consuming Data Analysis: Seismic survey data is inherently complex, involving large volumes of data generated from multiple sources. Translating this data into actionable insights required extensive post-survey processing time.
- Inefficient Resource Allocation: The inability to integrate real-time data with geographic information hindered the optimization of survey paths, often leading to redundant efforts in low-priority areas.
- Safety and Environmental Compliance: GeoWave's clients were demanding more environmentally conscious exploration methods, requiring the company to accurately avoid sensitive ecosystems and reduce the seismic impact on the surrounding area.
- Client Expectations: The rise of advanced data analytics across industries raised client expectations for more precise and actionable insights. Clients increasingly wanted access to real-time data updates and transparent reporting on survey progress.
Solution: Geographic Intelligence Software
GeoWave chose to implement a geographic intelligence software platform that combined high-level geographic information system (GIS) capabilities with advanced seismic data analytics. The software integrated seamlessly with GeoWave's existing seismic surveying tools and enhanced their operations in several key areas.
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Real-Time Data Integration: Geographic intelligence software enabled real-time data gathering, processing, and visualization. Instead of waiting days or weeks for post-survey analysis, the field team could now make on-the-spot decisions. The software utilized satellite imagery, terrain data, and seismic waves, which were all layered onto interactive 3D maps.
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Predictive Analytics: The geographic intelligence system's ability to combine seismic data with historical subsurface information and environmental layers allowed GeoWave to predict high-probability areas for hydrocarbon reserves more accurately. This led to fewer unnecessary tests and more focused resource allocation.
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Advanced Visualization: The software's 3D visualization tools helped GeoWave better understand the complex structures below the Earth's surface. Instead of relying solely on seismic wave reflections, which can be difficult to interpret in isolation, the software integrated topographic maps, fault lines, and geographic formations to create a comprehensive picture.
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Environmental Safeguarding: The system's environmental layers included critical data on ecosystems, water sources, and protected areas. Using this information, GeoWave was able to plan survey paths that minimized environmental disruption, ensuring compliance with both client mandates and local regulations.
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Collaboration & Reporting: The software facilitated easier sharing of data between GeoWave's team and their clients. Interactive dashboards allowed clients to view real-time survey progress, while automatically generated reports provided in-depth insights. This transparency helped build trust and ensured that the project was aligned with client expectations.
Implementation Process
The implementation of the geographic intelligence software followed a phased approach:
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Pilot Phase: GeoWave tested the software on a small-scale seismic survey project in West Texas. The goal was to evaluate the software's capabilities in a real-world scenario without disrupting their ongoing operations. During this phase, the system was tested for data integration, visualization accuracy, and real-time decision-making support.
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Training and Onboarding: GeoWave conducted extensive training sessions with its field teams and data analysts to ensure that everyone could maximize the benefits of the new platform. Special emphasis was placed on interpreting the predictive analytics tools and understanding the environmental impact assessments.
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Full Deployment: After a successful pilot, the software was deployed across all GeoWave's projects globally. The company partnered closely with the software vendor to ensure the system was customized for its specific seismic data requirements, optimizing the predictive models for different geographic regions.
Outcomes and Benefits
The integration of geographic intelligence software into GeoWave's seismic surveying operations delivered measurable benefits across several key areas:
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Increased Efficiency: Survey times were reduced by 30% on average, thanks to real-time data processing and more accurate predictions of subsurface structures. This allowed GeoWave to complete projects faster, reducing labor and operational costs.
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Improved Data Accuracy: The integration of geographic intelligence allowed GeoWave to generate more detailed subsurface models, leading to an 18% improvement in drilling success rates for clients in the oil and gas sector. The reduction in false positives lowered the number of dry wells, enhancing the company's reputation for delivering high-quality results.
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Enhanced Environmental Compliance: GeoWave reduced its environmental footprint by strategically planning survey paths that avoided ecologically sensitive areas. This was especially beneficial in regions with strict environmental regulations, allowing the company to comply with legal requirements and corporate sustainability goals.
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Client Satisfaction: By offering real-time insights and transparent reporting, GeoWave significantly improved client relationships. Clients appreciated the ability to monitor survey progress in real time and were particularly impressed by the level of detail in post-survey reports. Customer satisfaction scores increased by 20%, leading to more repeat business and referrals.
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Operational Safety: Real-time hazard detection features enabled GeoWave to quickly identify potential risks such as unstable geological formations or high-impact seismic zones. This resulted in fewer on-site incidents, improving the safety record of their field operations.