Public Policy on Geospatial Science Imperative for Development

The development of a sound public policy on geospatial sciences and services is a strategic imperative for Mexico. Faced with significant challenges, such as climate change, water management, and the need to improve infrastructure, the country must adopt a comprehensive approach that leverages advanced technologies, such as photogrammetry, geographic information systems (GIS), digital twins, and artificial intelligence. These tools not only offer a new way to interact with our environment, but also provide accurate data for decision-making that can transform the lives of citizens, especially those in higher risk areas. Furthermore, the development of these capabilities will allow Mexico to capitalize on opportunities in the context of nearshoring, attracting investment, and improving the country's competitiveness.

Photogrammetry and Reality Capture: The Basis for Intelligent Infrastructure

Photogrammetry enables the capture of aerial and drone imagery to create highly accurate 3D maps and models. These products, such as “orthomosaics” and terrain models, provide a detailed representation of the physical environment, facilitating the planning and management of infrastructure projects. In the context of nearshoring, photogrammetry is crucial for assessing land and designing industrial corridors in northern Mexico, a strategic region for the relocation of supply chains.

In addition, the accurate capture of reality allows governments and contractors to monitor the progress of construction sites, identify potential problems, and adjust in real time. This capability is especially useful in the management of critical infrastructure, such as bridges, roads and ports, where downtime can have a significant impact on the economy. Integrating this data with urban planning models enables holistic optimization of mobility and transportation, reducing costs and improving operational efficiency.

Digital Twins: Transforming Infrastructure Management

Digital twins represent a new way of visualizing and managing infrastructure through virtual replicas. These representations allow real-time monitoring of physical assets, anticipating problems and planning maintenance more efficiently. In Mexico, their application could transform the management of ports, airports, trains, fiber, facilitating the flow of goods and people, and improving operational safety.

An Example: Digital Twins for Water Management

The implementation of digital twins in water management is an innovative solution to counter the inefficient use of water resources, especially in agriculture. Currently, agriculture consumes 76% of the available water in the country, of which more than 60% is wasted due to outdated and poorly operated irrigation practices. This situation not only causes a deformation in the use of the resource, but also limits the availability of water for human and industrial consumption, directly affecting economic development and the phenomenon of nearshoring.

Digital twins allow the creation of virtual replicas of water and agricultural systems, providing a detailed and real-time view of water consumption. This makes it possible to identify leaks, detect waste and optimize irrigation systems based on accurate data on soil moisture and weather conditions. The implementation of these technologies would help free up water resources, ensuring a more equitable distribution between the agricultural sector, human use, and the new industries that are setting up operations in Mexico.

In addition, a public policy aimed at the technification of agricultural irrigation could correct water hoarding and improve its efficient use, supporting both environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Integrating Satellites and Drones for Accurate Land Management

The use of satellites and drones in geospatial data collection has revolutionized land analysis. Satellite imagery provides a broad and detailed view of the terrain, while drones allow specific data to be captured at the local level. This combination allows the creation of three-dimensional maps and regional mosaics, providing a complete visual context that is crucial for GIS experts and citizens alike.

This data is essential for managing natural resources, such as water, and for crop planning. Farmers can use accurate maps to optimize irrigation and improve productivity, while governments can plan more effective water infrastructure projects, such as building dams and irrigation systems that make the most of the available resources. In a country where access to water is a critical issue, the ability to manage this resource intelligently is fundamental to sustainable development.

Artificial Intelligence: Democratizing Geospatial Analysis

The use of artificial intelligence in geospatial data management makes it possible to extract value from large volumes of information efficiently. While getting started with AI may seem challenging, there are pre-trained deep learning models and spatial machine learning tools that facilitate its adoption. These models make it possible to extract, classify and detect patterns in geospatial data without the need for large training datasets, which democratizes their use and opens the door to innovative solutions for land management.

For example, in urban planning, AI can analyze demographic and economic data to identify at-risk areas and help authorities plan interventions that reduce population vulnerability. In addition, climate intelligence, enabled by advanced predictive models, can forecast extreme events, such as floods or droughts, providing time for communities and governments to prepare adequately.

Mapping Risk: Comprehensive Assessment for Resilience

Hazard mapping and risk visualization are essential components of geospatial public policy. However, risk analysis must go beyond simple visualization. It is crucial to integrate demographic, economic and climate data to assess systemic risk holistically. This assessment allows the identification of areas where natural hazards may have a disproportionate impact on critical assets and the population and facilitates the planning of interventions that increase resilience.

For example, the integration of geospatial and demographic data allows planners to identify communities vulnerable to natural disasters and design infrastructure that reduces the impact of these events. In the case of floods, predictive models can alert authorities to the likelihood of extreme events, enabling rapid response and the implementation of preventive measures.

Federated Management and Multi-Sector Collaboration

To maximize the value of geospatial data, it is essential to adopt a federated management model that facilitates collaboration between different levels of government, universities, and the private sector. This approach enables efficient data-sharing, avoiding duplication of effort and improving the quality of analysis. Federated management also fosters innovation by allowing different actors to access the same data to develop customized solutions to local problems.

In energy management, for example, integrating geospatial data with predictive models can optimize the location of renewable energy plants and improve resource allocation. This collaboration is also key to accelerating the development of infrastructure projects related to nearshoring, improving the country's competitiveness in the global marketplace.

A Path to a Smart and Sustainable Future

The creation of a public policy on geospatial science and services represents a transformative opportunity for Mexico. By integrating advanced technologies such as photogrammetry, digital twins, the use of satellites and drones, and artificial intelligence, the country can effectively address today's challenges, from water management to infrastructure improvement and urban planning.

For policymakers, this policy offers tools to make informed decisions and improve the efficiency of public services. Entrepreneurs will find new opportunities to optimize operations and reduce costs, especially in strategic sectors such as nearshoring. Researchers will have access to a rich source of data to drive innovation, while citizens will benefit from a better quality of life and a safer, more resilient environment.

Thus, a robust public policy in geospatial science and services will position Mexico at the forefront of sustainable development, enabling balanced economic growth and improving resilience to future challenges. This is a state that transcends sectors and interests, aiming for a smarter, more competitive, and fairer Mexico for all.

In collaboration with:

Sebastian Sánchez Bernal (Physics Engineer, Geospatial Scientist). 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastiansanchez6