The UK’s Geospatial Crisis: An Urgent Call for Better Government Support

Contributed by Forbes McKenzie, CEO, McKenzie Intelligence Services

Although it might sound ‘geeky’, geospatial technology is no longer a niche field reserved for the most cerebral. Indeed, this inconspicuous force is now used not just by tech enthusiasts and academics, but by ordinary people in almost every aspect of day-to-day life. From navigating to the nearest supermarket with your smartphone to matching with someone on Tinder, geospatial is there every second, every day, tracking the intricate details of our comings and goings using sensitive data that, if pieced together, could leave security compromised. 

Despite this pervasive influence, however, the UK government has yet to fully recognise or support the geospatial sector in a way that’s worthy of its importance. This needs to change, however, if the nation is to fulfil its ambition of becoming a global tech leader.

The invisible backbone of society

Each time you open a map on your phone, Google a nearby restaurant, or use an app that tracks your location, you’re engaging with geospatial technology. Yet, despite its widespread use, the government’s investment in this area remains cause for concern. 

Unlike sectors such as healthcare, where investments often result in immediately tangible outcomes – be it the latest miraculous drug or an innovative piece of machinery that quantifies the results it delivers – the value of geospatial technology is much less visible. As a result, public investment remains low, despite the fact that this lack of visible outcomes by no means renders the power of geospatial tech less significant. In fact, geospatial technologies provide the very backbone for modern society, powering countless applications we use daily. 

Ill-advised investments

Without adequate support for this vital technology, the UK risks falling behind. In order to counter this, the government tends to favour space-tech industry projects with clear, immediate results to demonstrate progress, key examples being the launching of new satellites. Whilst this is indubitably important, it’s vital to remember that direct tech is just one part of the complex puzzle. Satellites might provide the data, but without the businesses and experts to support this, with meaningful interpretation and application of this information, the data is useless. 

Geospatial start-ups play a fundamental role in this ecosystem, converting raw data into significant insights that can improve public services, enhance national security and drive economic growth. It’s simply a matter of getting governments to recognise this end-game value, which vastly outstrips any profits to be made from direct investment in physical satellites. 

The need for targeted support

One of the most significant challenges that geospatial start-ups face is this short-sighted approach to government funding. The five-year election cycle only exacerbates matters, dictating the types of projects that receive support. Politicians typically seek quick wins that can be showcased before the next election, leaving foundational aspects, such as less results-visible geospatial technology, underfunded.

The creation of quangos to manage investments makes matters even worse. Whilst well-intentioned, these bodies are typically staffed by individuals who fail to fully understand both the entrepreneurial landscape and the specific needs of the geospatial sector. Unlike more immediately understandable fields like renewable energy, where the outcomes of new infrastructure are immediately tangible in terms of reduced carbon emissions, for example, geospatial innovations require time to develop and thus more time to demonstrate their value. 

Existing initiatives like the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) thus become even more vital. These funding sources have been lifelines for many start-ups, offering tax-efficient benefits to investors whilst supporting early-stage ventures. Without such schemes, many geospatial businesses would struggle to survive. However, more targeted support is needed. 

Introducing a new bracket of R&D grants specifically designed for geospatial technology could provide the much-needed boost. By setting rigorous entry criteria to prevent misuse and put a hold to the number of organisations claiming innovation grants whilst leveraging existing technologies, the government could ensure that only genuinely innovative projects receive funding – driving the development of new technologies that could benefit the entire economy. In order to gain sufficient understanding in order to introduce such measures, however, the government must develop a much firmer grasp on the geospatial sector, establishing its own set of qualified experts – perhaps under their own dedicated ministry. 

Geospatial ed as a national imperative

Another critical area that demands attention, then, is education. If awareness and understanding are to grow proportionately with geospatial use, the integral role that geospatial technology plays in our lives must be taught in schools as a core part of the curriculum – much like cartography and human geography. As geospatial tech becomes increasingly integral to our lives, it’s vital to equip the next generation with the skills they need to effectively engage. 

The issue persists at higher-education level, too. At present, geospatial courses are often relegated to highly specialised university programmes, such as the Geospatial and Mapping Sciences MSc at the University of Glasgow. Whilst these programmes are excellent and must be encouraged in number, they only attract a small number of students. To foster a broader understanding of geospatial technology at sufficient level, therefore, it must become a compulsory cornerstone at earlier stages of higher education. 

Everyone with a smartphone is, in a sense, now a geospatial expert, yet this expertise is not being nurtured. By expanding geospatial education and doing more to funnel young people into this vastly under-recognised field, the UK can ensure that future generations are prepared to enter the growing field, further bolstering the potential of any relevant public start-up investments.

The case for a geospatial ministry

It’s, therefore, astonishing that, given the critical role that geospatial tech plays in our society, there’s no dedicated government body designed to oversee and support the sector. Just as there are ministries for health, education and transport, there must be a ministry for geospatial affairs. Such a body could coordinate investments, support start-ups, and bolster education, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of this vital field. 

Geospatial data management and quality assurance are becoming increasingly significant as the amount of data continues to grow, as well. Every detail of our lives can be mapped and analysed through our smartphones, raising significant privacy and security concerns. Surely, this calls for a dedicated ministry that can establish a robust security framework to protect us, ensuring geospatial data is always used ethically and responsibly? 

A call to action

Far from a sector to be overlooked, geospatial tech is the foundation upon which we have built modern life. From everyday conveniences to critical infrastructure, geospatial data and technology are indispensable. The UK government must recognise this and act accordingly. By providing better, more targeted support for geospatial start-ups, expanding geospatial education and creating a dedicated ministry, the government can ensure that the country remains a global leader in this critical field. It’s time to stop taking geospatial technology for granted and start giving it the deserved attention and support. 

Forbes McKenzie is the founder and CEO of McKenzie Intelligence Services, who work with the world’s biggest insurers to provide them with actionable intelligence around their affected portfolios, policies and properties in the aftermath of global catastrophic events.