HotelsMag March-April 2023 | Page 70

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GEO-LOCATION TECHNOLOGY : The next big thing in hotel development and transactions

GIS ALLOWS FOR ACCURATE LOCATION INTELLIGENCE FOR COMPETITIVE INSIGHTS ABOUT MARKETS AND LOCATIONS .
Contributed by DANIEL LESSER , PRESIDENT AND CEO OF LW HOSPITALITY ADVISORS

Geographic Information Systems ( GIS ) is an emerging and constantly evolving technology that captures , stores , manages , displays , analyzes and visualizes all types of data for geographic positions on Earth ’ s surface by integrating location intelligence ( where things are ), with all types of descriptive information ( what things are like there ).

For those looking to acquire or build a hotel , it ’ s invaluable data — if mined correctly . Because in hospitality , location , location , location is what ultimately matters .
GIS provides a foundation for mapping and spatial analysis to assist with understanding patterns , relationships and geographic context . GIS is utilized to identify specific developmental sites based on a set of criteria using economic , social , environmental and business-related data . Analyses from GIS can be used as a real estate SWOT analysis to determine threats and opportunities for investment and / or development opportunities .
Analyzing and mapping geospatial data can provide insights into what may not be obvious by looking at a database or spreadsheet . The result of the analysis can be derivative information , interpolated information or prioritized information . Data layers are analyzed to answer different spatial questions and GIS maps are then produced that visualize the analyzed GIS data .
HELPING BUSINESSES ACHIEVE Businesses play a vital role , from leading innovation to driving commerce and creating jobs that contribute long-term value within organizations and across communities . Location affects every business decision , and location intelligence informs these decisions with answers to key questions including , where are : E markets shifting ? E the best customers ? E operations at risk ? E products and services delivered ? GIS is used in most disciplines that depend on precise and
70 hotelsmag . com Mar / Apr 2023