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Geospatial technologies using location data are transforming all our lives. We see everyday apps such as Google Maps, Uber and Snapchat using location data to pinpoint addresses, identify where we are and track our locations. It has now become an acceptable part of everyday life.

A government funded pilot programme has made huge leaps in driving innovation, unlocking skills and enabling economic growth using geospatial technologies in Scotland over the last 3 years.

Funded by Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and the Geospatial Commission, Location Data Scotland set out 3 years ago to develop an inclusive geospatial community across Scotland, to unlock the value in location data, enable innovation and create greater efficiency in the products and services delivered and utilised by organisations and the public sector in Scotland.

Location Data Scotland made a significant impact across Scotland’s economy, as summarised below:

• Raised the profile of geospatial technologies as an enabler of innovation across the wider ecosystem in Scotland. Location Data Scotland has become a strong brand, demonstrating how these technologies and innovative solutions are transforming key sectors, resulting in more than 45 introductions between industry, academia, public sector and Government.
• Grew a strong and engaged community of more than 120 start-ups, SMEs, corporates, public sector organisations, research and academia, and charities. This community amplifies Scotland’s experience and capabilities in location data on an international scale.
• Helped shape and influence policy around geospatial strategies at Scottish Government and contributed to national Government thinking.
• Fostered collaboration amongst the community to create and drive partnerships and innovation through a series of events and webinars including 12 hosted events.
• Stimulated market opportunities for community members across a range of sectors including Agriculture/Land, Financial Services/Fintech, Space, Travel & Tourism, Construction (PropTech) and Energy, and enabled key collaborations and cross-sector partnerships across these sectors.
• Facilitated the Scottish Innovation Village at Geo Business 2023 in London where 7 organisations were able to raise the profile of their location data innovation and capabilities to a UK and international audience.
• Brought together leaders from industry to identify the skills gaps across Scotland and created a unified skills roadmap for the future in partnership with University of Edinburgh and AGI Scotland.
• Initiated a pilot with Fife College to develop and test a dedicated geospatial skills course as an introduction into the Geospatial industry.
• Facilitated investment opportunities. An example of this was Eolas Insight who secured seed investment to enable them to expand their team and scale up to roll out their AI-based environmental mapping solutions through 2024.
• Showcased the capabilities of truly innovative organisations including, for example, Topolytics, a data aggregation and analytics company who are making the world’s waste visible, verifiable, and valuable; Eolas Insight, who offer automated mapping solutions for the environmental and ecological sectors; Space Aye, a technology company who merge Internet of Things (IoT) data with real-time satellite imagery to provide in-depth information surrounding satellite imagery, creating a global view of the world; and Vahanomy, a location data company, has two innovative products that use AI to escalate the rollout of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure and decarbonised transport.

View case studies here.

Alan Corbett, Head of Geospatial at the Scottish Government said, ‚ ‘The Scottish geospatial sector is a thriving and innovative place to be with lots of local and national initiatives being successfully delivered through sector collaboration. The last 3 years of Location Data Scotland has helped drive additional investment in world-leading tech industries such as the space sector providing high value, skilled jobs, an important part of Scotland’s sustainable economic recovery. The programme has developed a strong community of private and public sector organisations and has significantly helped shape the Scottish Government’s Geospatial Action Plan, which is hoped will act as the catalyst for continued investment and economic growth within the geospatial sector.‚Äù

Rebecca Reid, Skills and Capabilities Policy Lead at the Geospatial Commission said ‚ ‘The UK is recognised as a global leader in geospatial, with a thriving ecosystem across the public, private and academic sectors. Location Data Scotland has shone a light on the cluster of Scottish geospatial organisations and has helped to develop the geospatial skills agenda in Scotland. Working with Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise has also shown the strength of collaboration and showcased the breadth of innovative technologies developed in Scotland, delivering insights that will support geospatial policy across the UK.‚Äù

Fiona Ozdemir, Project Manager at Scottish Enterprise said ‚ ‘Location Data Scotland is a shining example of the power of businesses coming together, to collaborate and innovate, including connecting with the public sector and academia to secure economic opportunities.

From small beginnings, the now 120-strong community has gone from strength to strength. It’s exciting and encouraging to witness these companies striving to meet the growing appetite for these innovative data and technology solutions. It is particularly pleasing that these solutions can be delivered across such a diverse range of industries including tourism, financial services, and agriculture.

The launch of the ‚ ‘Geospatial Skills Road Map‚Äù, developed during the project, will encourage further engagement as the geospatial sector continues in its current growth trajectory.‚Äù

The pilot programme for Location Data Scotland finished on 31^st January 2024. However, Scottish Government has awarded Optimat Ltd further funding to evolve and shape the Location Data Scotland community further with a particular focus on developing the skills agenda for Scotland.

Find out more at www.locationdatascotland.co.uk