Delivered on September 8, 2025
The Potential of Location Intelligence and Utilizing GIS Platforms @Kindai University Seminar
Speaker: Tomohisa Hamamoto
ESRI Japan, Inc.
Manager, Solutions Sales Group
Affiliation and position information is as of the time of distribution
Location Information Business Seminar held at Kinki University on July 14, 2025
This seminar discussed the business possibilities of utilizing location information data.
We will introduce the content of each seminar in several installments.
The Potential of Location Intelligence and Utilizing the GIS Platform
ESRI is a global leader in GIS. In Japan, its tool, ArcGIS, is widely used in a variety of sectors, including the public, private, and academic sectors. In this presentation, we will introduce various tools for maximizing ArcGIS utilization, as well as provide a clear explanation of how location intelligence is utilized and the challenges it solves.
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The Potential of Location Intelligence: Leveraging a GIS Platform
This article is a summary of a podcast by Mr. Hamamoto of ESRI Japan, a GIS (geographic information system) software developer, aimed at site managers at organizations working to utilize location data.
Location intelligence, which utilizes location information to solve business challenges, has been gaining attention from many companies in recent years. ESRI Japan is the developer of the GIS software "ArcGIS," which is used worldwide.
What is Location Intelligence?
Location intelligence goes beyond simply mapping data on a map. By overlaying and analyzing various geospatial data, it uncovers hidden patterns and new insights, enabling faster and more effective decision-making. Combining real-time information with maps deepens understanding of the situation and maximizes the value of data.
Examples of Location Intelligence Enabled by ArcGIS
ArcGIS is used in a variety of fields, including:
1. Market Analysis
When considering new store openings or overseas expansion, companies can overlay their own data and overseas statistical data on a map for analysis. Companies such as convenience store operator K Holdings, restaurant chain Toridoll Holdings (Marugame Seimen), and Saizeriya use this platform to analyze markets and develop business strategies.
2. Supply Chain/Logistics
This platform is used to optimize the entire supply chain, from raw material procurement to delivery and in-store sales. Logistics Co., Ltd. (formerly Hitachi Transport System) provides optimal logistics services by visualizing warehouses and delivery destinations. Furthermore, automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM) manages the locations of its parts suppliers around the world on a map to quickly assess the impact of disasters.
3. Disaster/Risk Management
By overlaying real-time disaster information on a map, companies can quickly grasp the situation and use it for business continuity planning (BCP). Hotel chain Marriott International uses ArcGIS for hotel risk monitoring, Tokio Marine provides disaster data to customers, and Kajima Corporation uses ArcGIS for its disaster information sharing system, all of which accelerate decision-making in emergencies.
4. Facility Management
GIS combined with digital twin technology is being used to manage large-scale facilities such as oil plants, ports, and airports. Austrian oil plant operator OMV and the Port of Corpus Christi in the United States visualize their facilities using 3D models and monitor them in real time, allowing them to understand the situation without visiting the site.
Summary
ArcGIS is a platform that maximizes the use of geospatial information. By linking data accumulated within a company with location information, it transforms it into more valuable data.
Integrating various data, such as drone aerial photography and CAD data, on a GIS improves business efficiency and promotes new discoveries.
Location intelligence takes the concept of data utilization a step further and will be key to powerfully supporting business decision-making in all industries.