AGI publishes results of 'Opportunities in a Changing World' poll

With mounting concerns over public sector cuts and continued business cost cutting, the treatment of geo-data is working its way to the top of the CIO’s agenda.

The Association for Geographic Information (AGI) recently conducted an Opportunities in a changing world survey 2010 on trends and attitudes to the use of geographic ('geo') data and the attitude of respondents to the economic downturn; 96 per cent of the 100 respondents saw geographic information as a business enabler. The publication of the results is kindly sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).

The survey will be discussed in-depth during the AGI GeoCommunity ’10 conference in Stratford-upon-Avon on 29-30 September 2010.

Of the 100 respondents, 56 were drawn from the public sector, with 44 working in the commercial sector. 90% of those surveyed indicated that they were the recognised “geo” expert with over 60% of all those surveyed having over 10 years’ experience in handling location related data or geographic information systems. The vast majority of those surveyed (73%) see geographic information as a critical part of their own business, with a slightly higher figure (75%) seeing location data as "mission critical" to their customers.

Opportunities in a changing world survey 2010 found that 73 per cent of those asked believe better use of data in the next 12 months is imperative – in an environment where they “have to do more with less.”

The top three data types identified as the most useful were national or pan-European mapping agency data (27%), national public sector data holdings (22%), or from an organisation’s own data holdings (20%).

Geo-data includes digital mapping systems and geographic information systems, plus location based information or global positioning systems which are used extensively to support public sector service delivery, as well as for commercial activities.

Typical public sector uses of geo-data include command and control centres for emergency services, environmental protection and risk management systems. In the private sector geo-data is used to underpin insurance claims and policies, land and property searches as well as for marketing and demographic analysis. Geo-data enables public services such as refuse collection to function as well as informing store planning for large supermarkets and retailers.

Despite the fact geo-data is deemed business critical, nearly two thirds of respondents in the survey stated their organisation did not have a data strategy. With the increase in interest in “cloud computing” and distributed services, this may result in significant innovation around data and software use being stifled.

Simon Doyle, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, said: 

“The value of geo-data is increasing, now that organisations are facing and making tougher choices. They are seeing data as an important asset to inform these choices. Data relating to place, what we call “geo-data”, is at the heart of every business or government department and enables the right choices to be made to increase operational efficiency and to focus on delivering effective frontline services.”

“Worryingly, a lack of a data strategy can lead to inefficient storage and retrieval of information; higher cost, as data is purchased more than once or not re-used, and also the inaccurate understanding and interpretation of that information within decision making processes.”

Chris Holcroft, CEO, AGI, added:

“There is an increasing awareness and understanding of the role geographic information has to play in driving efficiencies and meeting the challenges faced in today’s economic and policy climate. The advent of “location aware” devices such as the iPhone and popular web based offerings such as Google Maps has also seen a growth in the importance of geographic information.” 

“Recent announcements by Prime Minister, David Cameron, reflect a renewed commitment by government to focus on local issues and local decision making. The “Big Society - Your Square Mile” initiative will rely on accurate and timely data, which will be geographic by their very nature.”

To find out more download the survey HERE.

To hear more about the survey and to find out more about the latest thinking on how your organisation can benefit from better data use, register for AGI GeoCommunity ’10 at www.agigeocommunity.com

About the Association for Geographic Information 

The Association for Geographic Information (AGI) exists to represent the interests of the UK's geographic information (GI) industry; a wide-ranging group of 2,000 public and private sector  members drawn from: the public sector and from commercial organisations including software and hardware vendors, data and infrastructure service providers, consultants, academics and interested individuals.

The AGI, by way of its unique membership forum, brings together this previously disparate GI community to share ideas on best practice, experience and innovation, and offers access to unparalleled networking opportunities with significant business benefits.  As such it avoids partisan positions and tries to act on behalf of the community as whole. 

Since its inception in 1989, the Association has built up a significant membership base and is now the recognised cross-sector authority on location and mapping related data, policies and issues. 

About PricewaterhouseCoopers

PricewaterhouseCoopers provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 155,000 people in 153 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. 

Unless otherwise indicated, 'PricewaterhouseCoopers' refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (www.pwc.com/uk) a limited liability partnership incorporated in England. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited.

About AGI GeoCommunity '10

AGI GeoCommunity '10: Opportunities in a Changing World - will be held in Stratford-upon-Avon on September 28th to 30th 2010.

The AGI GeoCommunity series has a proven reputation as a 'must-attend' event for a range of service delivery managers and information management and technology professionals.

Delegates and speakers are drawn from Central and Local Government, Utilities, Health, Emergency Services, Infrastructure, Insurance, Marketing, Business Intelligence, Finance and Technology sectors.

The AGI GeoCommunity '10 conference will open on the 29th September and offer two full days of thought leadership, practical education, knowledge transfer and “real-world” best practice and case studies. A pre-conference 'Icebreaker' evening event will be hosted on 28th September 2010.