With the expansion of connectivity, several innovative technologies are becoming more prevalent; location intelligence is one; leveraging location and positioning data to generate insights and create value. However, location intelligence and navigation have historically lacked the ability to navigate effectively inside buildings and covered spaces. This has given rise to a technology innovation that we term “Spatial Intelligence”. Spatial intelligence is a sector of the broader location ecosystem that will likely see rapid growth and development over the next five years and beyond. There are several significant societal and technology trends that are converging and that will create opportunities for companies that can take advantage of the new business models that emerge. The technologies that enable these platforms will become significantly more capable over the next few years as IoT rolls out more and more widely, and as communications technologies develop with the launch of fifth-generation cellular telecommunications. Commenting on the growth of Spatial Intelligence platforms, Gareth Owen, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, noted, “3D modelling has been a key component of different mapping and visualization software. The key component to be a Spatial Intelligence Platform is Real-Time Simulation (RTS) of the 3D model. Multi-platform capabilities, i.e. real-time simulation of 3D visualizations on multiple device types, is another key factor determining the success of these platforms; a major problem with traditional 3D modelling software. These intelligent platforms are providing solutions on standard smartphones. However, the leaders are focused on two parameters, system integration and platform tools, which help the platform generate real-time insights.” Commenting on the existing platforms’ capabilities, Prachir Singh, Senior Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research, added, “Fugro, a Dutch geo-data specialist company, leads the Spatial Intelligence Platform Capability Index followed by PTC Vuforia and Mapbox, according to Counterpoint’s Competitive Ranking and Evaluation (CORE) scorecard (Exhibit 1). The evaluation is based on the platform’s technical capabilities, from its ability to create effective 3D models, to real-time streaming, system integration, and multi-platform capabilities.” Adding on the CORE Scorecard, Singh noted, “Fugro is a complete spatial intelligence platform having capabilities in every parameter, although it is not rated top in any single parameter. The company is focused on providing innovative solutions in multiple use-cases in the Utilities and Natural Resources sector. PTC Vuforia has been focusing on industrial IoT applications, primarily “digital twins”, to focus on monitoring and maintaining assets as well as for training and learning development for industrial workers. The Vuforia platform scored highest in platform-tools, user interface and system integration. Mapbox is using spatial intelligence capabilities to enhance its established dominance in location intelligence and GIS data acquisition by incorporating 3D maps. WRLD, a relatively young company in spatial intelligence, has initially focused on the smart buildings sector – creating digital twins of built assets and overlaying this with myriad data types to improve operational efficiency and create new revenue potential by leveraging its leadership in 3D modelling, real-time simulation and multi-platform capabilities. Other leading platforms, like Enertiv and NavVis, are focusing on in-building navigation and positioning, and other related insights. However, solution providers are still looking for new and innovative use-cases to generate value.”

Exhibit 1: Counterpoint CORE Scorecard: Spatial Intelligence Platforms (Jan-2020)

Adding his perspective, VP Research, Peter Richardson said, “Currently, the spatial intelligence market is in a nascent stage. There are a few companies in this sector with the right skills and capabilities to take advantage of the opportunities emerging from the confluence of these trends. Advanced features in these platforms include absorbing multiple data sets and enabling rapid development of digital twins that can represent assets overlaid with relevant information.” Further commenting on the value drivers, Richardson added, “Spatial intelligence platforms can be applied in multiple ways to create value through improvements in operational efficiency, enabling businesses to generate incremental revenues in existing businesses as well as support the creation of new and unconventional sources of revenue.  Operational efficiency can be improved by creating a digital twin of the space or resource and then using sensors for monitoring. The result is greater efficiency and resource utilization and improved user experience. These platforms can also enable companies to offer interactive, virtual representations of real experiences that can drive engagement, anticipation and enjoyment, leading to higher overall uptake and consumer satisfaction, and subsequently generate incremental revenues. In terms of unconventional revenues, IoT enables companies to create new product and service hybrids by combining a physical product with premium services and new ways of interacting across online and offline channels. Platforms can bring visualization, gameplay, sensor data and more together to enable the creation of product-as-a-service offerings.” Spatial Intelligence Market Summary:

• Fugro, a complete spatial intelligence platform, is using its capabilities to provide innovative solutions in the Utilities and Natural Resources sector.
• PTC Vuforia is mainly focused on the Industrial IoT sector. With its acquisition of TWNKLS, another spatial intelligence player, Vuforia is focusing on digital twins and enhancing its offerings by building AR/VR capabilities.
• Mapbox is leveraging spatial intelligence capabilities to enhance its mapping offering by incorporating 3D maps.
• WRLD is a leader in 3D modelling, real-time simulation, and working with multiple data sets. It uses these capabilities to rapidly create digital twins of complex built environments and more.
• Enertiv, another start-up in Europe, is using spatial intelligence capabilities to provide innovative smart building solutions.
• Gamesim is focusing on gaming and simulation for security and military purposes.
• NavVis, also a smart building solution provider, is leveraging its proprietary product, NavVis M6, for data acquisition.
• ESRI is providing 3D mapping data to developers of multiple innovative products.
• Realsim, another start-up, is leveraging spatial intelligence capabilities for smart cities, marine visualizations as well as providing 3D visualizations of historical monuments and environments.
• Matterport is providing real-time 3D digital twins of spaces, using its Capture app which connects to any Matterport compatible camera.
• TWNKLS, now acquired by PTC, uses its 3D simulation capabilities to power its AR offerings for Industry 4.0.
• Siradel Engie is helping telecom companies in infrastructure planning by providing real-time 3D simulations for network planning and smart cities.
• SketchUp, once a Google acquisition and now a Trimble company, provides 3D visualizations of buildings and spaces, for architectural applications.
• Visionaries777 is targeting automotive companies, using 3D simulations, for effective marketing of their product using its AR/VR offerings.

The comprehensive and in-depth report on “Spatial Intelligence Platforms and Ecosystem” is a part of Counterpoint’s ETO (Emerging Technology Opportunities) Service. The report is available for download here. Counterpoint’s CORE (COmpetitive Ranking and Evaluation) is a scorecard based on capabilities (technical, user experience, etc.) of the device, platform, product or service. CORE scorecard leverages feedback from users, customers and in multiple cases, Counterpoint’s analysts’ feedback, who have used the product or service. Background: Counterpoint Technology Market Research is a global research firm specializing in Technology products in the TMT industry. It services major technology firms and financial firms with a mix of monthly reports, customized projects and detailed analysis of the mobile and technology markets. Its key analysts are experts in the industry with an average tenure of 13 years in the high-tech industry.