-Achieving a 1.8-fold increase in the Map Building Update Rate for GeoTechnologies-

 

Space Shift, Inc. and GeoTechnologies, Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yoichiro Yaizuri; hereinafter “GeoTechnologies”) have collaborated utilizing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite data1. This collaboration has resulted in a 1.8-fold improvement in the building update rate for GeoTechnologies’ map maintenance efforts2, successfully enhancing map maintenance efficiency and quality.

This achievement is attributed to the optimization of Space Shift’s SAR satellite data-based building change detection solution for GeoTechnologies’ map maintenance process, accomplished through the collaboration of both companies.

*1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Satellite: A satellite that emits radio waves from an onboard sensor and receives the reflected waves from the Earth’s surface. It utilizes a mechanism to observe the ground conditions by analyzing the received data.

*2 Fiscal Year 2024 results

 

Figure 1. Image of Change Point Information Provided by the Building Change Detection Solution

 

■ Effects of Solution Implementation

By implementing this solution, GeoTechnologies has successfully achieved significant improvements in map maintenance efficiency and quality (Figure 2). This was demonstrated by:

• A 13.2% reduction in maintenance costs, including data procurement for map updates.
• A approximately 1.8-fold increase in the map update ratio within the procured data.

 

Figure 2. Effects of Implementing the Building Change Detection Solution

 

１）Approximately 1.8-fold Increase in the Building Update Ratio

By enabling the procurement of satellite imagery and other data specifically for areas with a high volume of change, the update ratio for buildings within the procured data improved from an average of approximately 5.7% before implementation to an average of approximately 10.1% after implementation.

２）13.2% Reduction in Map Maintenance Costs

As a result of being able to procure satellite imagery and other data focused only on areas with significant change, we achieved a 13.2% reduction in the costs required for maintenance, including procurement.

３）Improved Accuracy of Map Maintenance Planning Through Objective Indicators

The ability to select update areas (data procurement targets) based on the objective indicator of “volume of change” has made it possible to prioritize map update tasks across the country, enabling the effective expansion of maintenance coverage.

■ Statements

Ikue Yanaba, Map DB Manager, Map Production, Map Development, GeoTechnologies, Inc.

“By adopting Space Shift’s SAR satellite data analysis technology, we were able to address challenges related to the cost and cost-effectiveness of our map updates. This technology enabled the accurate selection of areas for material procurement and led to increased productivity through the efficient incorporation of change information.

We feel that the smooth implementation was strongly supported by the fact that Space Shift visited our map production site to understand the actual maintenance processes before providing concrete proposals.

We look forward to continuing to work together to realize even better solutions in the future.”

Kazushi Motomura, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Space Shift, Inc.

“This demonstration marks the full-scale implementation of a solution that uses SAR satellite data and our proprietary AI to periodically track building changes across a vast area: the entire country of Japan. We believe this is an ideal case study that maximizes the benefits of satellite data’s wide coverage, the stability of SAR satellite data, and automated analysis by our AI.

We are delighted that our extensive discussions and exchange of ideas with GeoTechnologies, which began even before the technical demonstration, led to this official implementation.

Moving forward, we will continue to refine our AI technology for satellite data and demonstrate the value of satellite data.”

■ Future Outlook

GeoTechnologies participates as a partner company in SateBiz, a business co-creation program operated by Space Shift. Moving forward, the two companies will further strengthen their collaboration to explore the new potential of satellite data in map maintenance operations.

 

[About Space Shift]

Established in December 2009. Under the theme of “Sense the Unseen from Orbit (Making every change on Earth recognizable),” Space Shift develops software that utilizes AI to analyze data obtained from Earth observation satellites. We aim to realize a sustainable society by applying satellite data across various fields, including infrastructure management, disaster prevention and mitigation, agricultural monitoring, and environmental conservation.

 

[About GeoTechnologies]

Since its founding in 1994, GeoTechnologies has consistently provided digital map data. The following year, the company launched its map software, “MapFan.” Since then, it has been an early provider of various mapping and location solutions, including Japan’s first i-mode map, car navigation systems, map data for corporate use, location information solutions, and AD/ADAS maps essential for realizing highly advanced autonomous driving.

Furthermore, through user contact points established by applications like the point-earning app “Tri-ma,” released in 2020, the company is able to grasp real-world situations, or “Insights“—such as people’s movements and the underlying motivations—in real-time.

By combining this massive volume of big data, including human flow data, with geospatial data maintained over approximately 30 years, and analyzing it using cutting-edge technology, our company aims to contribute to society by providing “immediate insights” and realizing a more comfortable and sustainable world.

GeoTechnologies, Inc. Corporate Information

Company Name: GeoTechnologies, Inc.
Headquarters:
Bunkyo Green Court Center Office 22F
2-28-8 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Representative:
Yoichiro Yatsurugi, President & CEO

Established: May 1, 1994

Business Domains:

• Automotive Business

• Enterprise Business

• Marketing Business

• Consumer Business

Corporate Website: https://geot.jp/

■ Contact Information for Inquiries

Space Shift, Inc. (Contact: Tsudaya) Email for Inquiries: pr@spcsft.com