Location-based data technology more crucial than before amidst Covid-19 pandemic

Geospatial, or location-based data, technology is more crucial now with the COVID-19 pandemic as it can be used to help contain the spread of the virus through solutions such as crowd management applications. Mr Simon Ong, acting chief executive of the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), said: “The importance of geospatial (technology) cannot be emphasised more, especially in today’s environment.”

Other than crowd management applications, which allow citizens to make informed choices to protect themselves when heading out, he noted how the technology can also be used as a collaborative tool in response to the pandemic.

“By combining different data types and technology based on location, businesses can understand people’s movement patterns and deploy the necessary resources to protect their staff and the community,” he added.

Smart Nation and Digital Government deputy secretary Tan Kok Yam described geospatial technology as “a key capability of a smart nation”.

To read more: https://www.straitstimes.com/tech/coronavirus-geospatial-technology-more-important-than-ever-amid-pandemic