The use of data for broad public purposes has become a way
of life for most of North America and Western Europe. Demographics
of a national census can be verified for accuracy by comparison
with known housing stock identifiable from aerial imagery.
The transportation and utility systems in areas of known volcanic,
earthquake, typhoon or hurricane vulnerability can be modeled
to predict deficiencies in capacity during catastrophic events.
Property ownership information can be integrated with historic
utility billing, utility system as-builts and aerially obtained
topography to identify areas of low water pressure and model
optional solutions. Alternative investment patterns can be
used to predict the impact on valuable croplands.
These analysis, planning and basic design tools have enriched
the quality of life for only those fortunate few who live
in areas which have the means to secure and utilize such tools.
The rest of the world watches and waits. EMI's primary reason
for being in business is to harness the technology of geomatics
for improving quality of life.
