Geometa: Shaping the Future of Urban Planning

At Geometa, we take immense pride in our commitment to pushing the boundaries of urban planning and territory development management. As a testament to our dedication to this cause, we are thrilled to announce our role as the general sponsor of the largest conference on urban planning and territory development management in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Our founder and CEO, Alexey Dudarev, took center stage at this prestigious event, where he delivered an insightful keynote address that shed light on the remarkable journey of urban planning automation in the CIS, dating back to our pioneering efforts in 2008. Furthermore, he unveiled the exciting development trends that are poised to shape the landscape of urban planning automation in the years ahead, particularly in 2024 and beyond.

For the discerning readers of the Geometa blog, we are pleased to present the key highlights from Alexey’s recent speech.

At the outset of his address, Alexey emphasized the paramount relevance of digitalization across all spheres of management, underscoring that, “In the absence of digitization, measuring efficiency becomes a formidable challenge. Measurement is the cornerstone of progress, making digitalization an imperative narrative”.

Geometa: A Brief Overview

Geometa stands as the platform of choice for the development of state information systems for urban planning. It is essential to underscore that the creation of this software is not merely a quest to display data on maps or automate documentation processes. Rather, Geometa is rooted in the sincere desire of its developers to be genuinely beneficial. In the contemporary landscape, Geometa serves as a tool, capable of addressing a multitude of challenges that hinge on the utilization of spatial data.

Geometa’s distinctiveness lies in its ability to streamline daily operational processes within urban planning and land management. These processes encompass document issuance, paper authentication, land allocation, urban planning designs, building permit issuance, and decision-making regarding deviations from urban regulations and land utilization policies, among other pivotal managerial tasks. Geometa, furthermore, empowers users to collaboratively access and manipulate spatial data. It also boasts built-in analytical tools underpinned by cutting-edge artificial intelligence and neural networks, thereby significantly reducing the margin for human error.

The Pillars of Urban Planning

In the contemporary landscape, three pillars serve as the bedrock for effective urban planning:

• Territorial Status Data: Typically encompassing city and regional reference maps, as well as a plethora of infrastructure plans, Geometa emerges as the central aggregator, effectively consolidating data from daily operations, thereby offering a systematic and coherent repository of city-related data.

• Design Outcomes: The notion of «digital» urban planning documentation is not synonymous with machine-readability or comprehension. Often, the system encounters unstructured data, primarily in PDF or CorelDRAW formats, which defy automated processing.

• Integration Capabilities: The modern era features numerous government information systems, precipitating a growing imperative to eliminate redundancy. This not only augments data quality but also paves the way for the advent of the «robotic official» concept, a framework governed by stringent formal rules extrapolated from existing data.

What may have seemed like a fantasy a decade ago is now an accomplished reality in regions where Geometa has taken root. For instance, a prospective builder seeking permits for an individual residence can now delineate boundaries and plot the house’s location, with the system providing immediate feedback on compliance or non-compliance. Consequently, all requisite documents can be automatically generated upon submission.

Our Vision

Geometa’s vision extends to the creation of a comprehensive information model for territories and their constituent elements, akin to a digital twin. Such a model proves invaluable for tasks spanning urban planning, forecasting, and scenario modeling. As the system continues to accumulate data and streamline processes, its utility and capabilities grow exponentially. A primary focus lies in the creation and continual enhancement of data structures concerning capital construction projects. This comprehensive data not only factors in parameters from building permits but also encompasses all estimates, schedules, models, and design documents, thereby becoming indispensable at every stage, from inception to operation.

To create robust information models, we need answers to crucial questions, such as the data requirements for each site, the facility’s economic impact, population dynamics, transportation effects, and energy efficiency. Modern technology grants us the opportunity to gather this information, even if not in its entirety initially. Even 5%, 10%, or 20% of the data can serve as a foundation for building information models, provided that users diligently organize data input processes.

At Geometa, we assert that service automation hinges not only on software solutions but also on meticulously designed processes. In this context, the system must possess the requisite data for each task. Our mission isn’t merely data accumulation for its own sake, but rather the assembly of data sets custom-tailored to address specific challenges. This necessitates a system of technical requirements, document collection and preparation, and concurrent data updates. This, in turn, paves the way for effective service automation.

Future Prospects

In the near horizon, spanning one to two years, three pivotal themes merit attention: interactions with utility companies, territory load assessment, and economic impact evaluation.

• Interaction with Utility Companies: A system enriched with data on engineering networks can significantly support regional energy commissions, tariff setting, energy security, and investment assessments for territorial development. Automation of service provision for network connections is poised to reduce both time and costs, benefitting private enterprises and municipal bodies alike.

• Territory Load Assessment and Optimal Facility Placement: Gathering data on residents, their consumption habits, and economic contributions will empower forecasting of social facility requirements such as hospitals, kindergartens, and schools. Additionally, transport data can inform decisions on road network optimization and parking management.

• Economic Impact Evaluation of Urban Planning Transformations: The system will enable assessment of enterprises’ contributions to regional economies, thereby influencing real estate and land valuation. Integration with state cadastral valuation systems will facilitate this endeavor. Public portals, still in their infancy in many regions, represent a critical element of urban planning policy development and data-driven decision-making. They are expected to evolve and merge with investment portals, enabling developers to independently assess and publish data on territorial changes. Such transparency is pivotal in shaping the future of urban planning.

As Geometa continues to evolve and adapt, it remains poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban planning, offering transparency, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. The journey towards the digital transformation of urban management is well underway, and Geometa stands at the forefront, ready to lead the way into a future where urban planning is smarter, more efficient, and more responsive to the needs of our ever-evolving cities.

Geometa’s Successful Journey in Indonesia

As we bring our series of articles on the Geometa team’s trip to Indonesia to a close, we are excited to share the pivotal meetings and presentations that marked our enriching three-week stay in Jakarta. From August 21 to September 9, Geometa’s dedicated team, comprised of Alexey Zraenko, Business Development Director; Maria Bobyleva, Head of Marketing; Ivan Prituliak, Head of PMO; and Anton Zakhariuta, Implementation Engineer, immersed themselves in Jakarta’s dynamic landscape. During this time, we not only participated in the Indonesia 4.0 Expo 2023 and the Indonesia International Smart City Expo 2023 but also had the privilege of showcasing Geometa solutions at the highest echelons.

Unlocking Opportunities: Meeting with the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency

One of the most significant events of our journey was our visit to the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency, specifically the General Directorate of Spatial Planning. Here, we had the honor of presenting Geometa’s capabilities in managing territorial development. Geometa’s suite of specialized tools for land use and development regulations proved to be indispensable, enabling quick and error-free project revisions while ensuring document quality. The Directorate graciously shared their invaluable insights into the intricate process of preparing detailed urban spatial plans.

Empowering the Future: Engaging with the Bandung Institute of Technology

Our journey also led us to the esteemed Bandung Institute of Technology, where we visited the Smart Cities & Communities Innovation Centre and had the privilege of meeting its director, Professor Suhono Harso Supangkat. During this enlightening encounter, Professor provided insights into the groundbreaking work of his PhD students, while we reciprocated by sharing Geometa’s experience in data-driven city management. As staunch advocates for knowledge exchange, we expressed our readiness to support the university’s team as knowledge partners, offering to share our expertise and insights.

Charting New Horizons: Geospatial Information Agency Collaboration

Our third notable visit took us to the Geospatial Information Agency, where we received a warm welcome from their dedicated team. During our visit, we learned about the agency’s vital role in mapping Indonesia, while we, in turn, highlighted how Geometa can harness the data generated by the agency for various applications.

Beyond these significant encounters, our journey was marked by numerous meetings with prospective partners, data providers, and representatives from Indonesian government agencies. With unwavering confidence, we eagerly anticipate the promising opportunities for growth and development that lie ahead in Indonesia. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported us during this journey.

Geometa at Indonesia International Smart City Expo

The Geometa team participated at Indonesia International Smart City Expo & Forum (IISMEX) 2023. This event, which took place from August 30 to September 1, 2023, at the JIExpo Kemayoran in Jakarta, Indonesia, was an incredible opportunity for us to showcase our expertise and innovative solutions in the field of digitalization of urban management.

IISMEX has become a cornerstone event in the world of smart cities, where cutting-edge technology, ICT, and IoT innovations converge to shape the future of urban landscapes. As the 6th edition of this remarkable event, it was proudly supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia through the Directorate General of Regional Administration, serving as the ASEAN Smart City Network Representative of Indonesia. This support highlighted the significance of IISMEX in advancing the smart city agenda.

The event lived up to its reputation as a nexus of knowledge exchange and business opportunities. For Geometa, it provided a unique platform to connect with high-level government officials, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Governors, and Mayors. These interactions opened up avenues for collaboration and partnership, paving the way for Geometa to contribute to the development of smart cities not only in Indonesia but also across Southeast Asia and the global market.

One of the highlights of our participation at IISMEX was our presentation on September 1st. Maria Bobyleva, Head of Marketing, and Ivan Prituliak, Head of PMO, took the stage to share their insights on «Driving Sustainable Urban Development with Geospatial Digital Twins.», providing participants with a deeper understanding of using GIS in city management. They discussed how Geometa’s solutions empower cities to make data-driven decisions, optimize resource allocation, and enhance overall urban planning.

As we reflect on our experience at IISMEX, we are grateful for the opportunities it has presented and the connections we have made. We look forward to building on these relationships and collaborating with partners who share our vision of creating smarter, more sustainable cities for the future. Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and attended our presentation at IISMEX 2023.

Geometa: Gold Sponsor of Indonesia 4.0 Expo 2023

The Indonesia 4.0 Conference & Expo, the biggest event for digital change and Industry 4.0 in the country, has ended. Geometa, proudly the Gold Sponsor, is thrilled to share its amazing time at this event.

At Geometa, we thrive on being at the forefront of innovation, and the Indonesia 4.0 Conference & Expo provided us with an exceptional platform to showcase our solutions. The event, hosted by the Indonesian Ministry of Industry on August 23-24, 2023, resonated with the nation’s ambitious goal to reach the top 10 global economies by 2030, propelled by the force of Industry 4.0 and the visionary Making Indonesia 4.0 initiative.

The conference was inaugurated by the esteemed Agus Gumivan Kartasasmita, Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia. His words underscored the critical role of collaboration and cooperation in realizing the transformative power of Industry 4.0. Geometa was honored to be a part of this journey, contributing our expertise to the advancement of Indonesia’s technological landscape.

Throughout the event, Geometa was engaged in presenting our Geometa platform, which has been meticulously crafted to empower organizations on their transformational journeys. Among our offerings were solutions that streamline public service delivery, facilitate data-driven city management, and enhance decision-making processes for large enterprises.

Maria Bobyleva, our Head of Marketing, and Ivan Prituliak, Head of PMO, took the stage at the conference as the dynamic duo representing Geometa. Their presentation, «Geospatial Empowerment for Industry 4.0 in Local Governments and Enterprises,» delved into the manifold applications of Geometa. Maria shared insights into the platform’s role in city management and its significance for large-scale businesses with distributed assets. Ivan navigated the audience through the exciting realm of AI-powered solutions for urban analysis.

As the curtains close on the Indonesia 4.0 Conference & Expo 2023, Geometa extends its heartfelt appreciation to all participants, collaborators, and supporters. The event was a confluence of insightful discussions, enlightening presentations, and invaluable connections that will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of Industry 4.0 in Indonesia.

Spatial Data Infrastructure

Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) is a critical component of the modern digital era, revolutionizing the way geographical information is collected, managed, analyzed, and shared. SDI is a framework that facilitates the access, sharing, and integration of spatial data from various sources, enabling organizations, governments, and individuals to make informed decisions and address complex challenges. In this article, we explore an exemplary SDI project based on the Geometa platform, and its scope, advancements, and potential outcomes.

SDI Project: Scope and Purpose

In terms of architecture, the Spatial Data Infrastructure consists of two integral components: an Integrated Spatial Data Management System and a Geoportal:

• Integrated Spatial Data Management System designed to effectively handle all spatial data of a city and region, enabling comprehensive monitoring of its territory.
• The Public Geoportal for Open Data and Spatial Services serves as a centralized platform for citizens to access open data, order spatial data, and request certificates. It offers a user-friendly interface with a personal account, enabling developers and investors to conveniently purchase spatial data. Additionally, the Geoportal integrates with public services, providing a seamless experience for administrative tasks.

Advancements in the Geometa SDI Project

• 3D Map and Building Visualizations:
  One of the key advancements in the Geometa SDI project is the incorporation of a 3D map feature. Users can now explore a city and region in a three-dimensional environment, enhancing their spatial understanding and experience. Furthermore, interactive building visualizations offer immersive 3D panoramas, enabling users to visualize buildings in a more detailed and realistic manner.
• 3D Maps of Engineering Networks:
  The platform supports 3D maps of engineering networks, providing detailed information about infrastructure networks like utilities and communication systems. Investors and developers can access this valuable data in a three-dimensional representation, empowering them with critical insights for better planning and decision-making.

Web Compliance Checker Module

To ensure data adherence to system requirements, the Geometa platform offers a Web Compliance Checker Module. This module provides a format and logical control of information resources within the Spatial Data Infrastructure, ensuring compliance with technical requirements. It includes verification of imported data against specified import templates, geometry accuracy validation, and generates reports indicating compliance or non-compliance with the specified import templates.

Seamless Import of Structured and Unstructured Data

Geometa excels in facilitating the seamless import of both structured and unstructured data. The platform allows customization options to ensure compliance of objects, directories, and classifiers with the logical model of the system. Automated comparisons based on customizations help in the efficient processing of data.

File format support includes *.tab, *.mid, *.mif, *.shp, and *.xlsx file formats. Data import modes allow users to add, update, or overwrite existing data. Customizable data import templates provide flexibility, enabling users to create filters with conditions, specify coordinate systems, and load data that references other objects or values from a reference book.

Outcomes of the Spatial Data Infrastructure Project

The project delivers a robust system designed to effectively maintain spatial data, catering to a wide range of tasks that require spatial information:

• Urban Planning and Development
• Smart Cadastre and Valuation of Real Property
• Precision Agriculture and Smart Farming

The Expanding Role of SDI

Other areas include Forestry, Water Resources, Cultural Heritage, Energy and Utilities, Transportation and Logistics, Emergency Management and Disaster Response, Environmental Management, Tourism and Recreation, etc

Urban Planning and Development:
In today’s rapidly urbanizing world, the need for efficient urban planning and development is more significant than ever. Spatial Data Infrastructure provides city planners with real-time, accurate geospatial data that aids in better understanding the current infrastructure, identifying potential areas of growth, and optimizing resource allocation. By harnessing SDI, cities can become more sustainable, resilient, and livable for their residents.

Environmental Conservation:
With climate change and environmental degradation becoming global challenges, spatial data plays a pivotal role in monitoring and conserving natural resources. SDI allows scientists and conservationists to track deforestation, manage wildlife habitats, assess biodiversity, and monitor the impact of climate change. It empowers decision-makers to implement effective policies for environmental protection and sustainable development.

Disaster Management:
In times of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, quick and accurate information is crucial for disaster management and response. Spatial Data Infrastructure helps in gathering and disseminating real-time data, enabling emergency services and humanitarian organizations to respond efficiently and effectively to mitigate the impact of disasters and save lives.

Transportation and Logistics:
The transportation and logistics industry heavily relies on spatial data for route optimization, fleet management, and supply chain efficiency. SDI offers detailed maps, traffic information, and geospatial analysis tools that facilitate smoother transportation operations, reducing fuel consumption and overall costs.

Public Health:
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of spatial data in public health. SDI assists health authorities in tracking the spread of diseases, identifying high-risk areas, and implementing targeted measures to control outbreaks. It also aids in optimizing healthcare facility locations and resource allocation.

Tourism and Marketing:
For the tourism industry, SDI enhances the visitor experience by providing interactive maps, location-based services, and travel guides. Additionally, businesses can utilize spatial data for targeted marketing campaigns, understanding customer behavior, and identifying potential markets for expansion.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its wide-ranging benefits, implementing and maintaining a robust Spatial Data Infrastructure is not without challenges. Some of the key challenges include data interoperability, privacy and security concerns, funding and resource allocation, and the need for international cooperation.

Looking ahead, the future of SDI is promising. Advancements in technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data analytics, will further strengthen the capabilities of SDI. Improved data sharing mechanisms, open data initiatives, and global partnerships will foster the growth of SDI worldwide, making geospatial information more accessible and usable for all.

Spatial Data Infrastructure has emerged as an indispensable tool in our interconnected world, transcending geographical boundaries and impacting various sectors. As we embrace the digital age, the actuality of SDI continues to grow, facilitating smarter decision-making, sustainable development, and a better quality of life for people across the globe. By addressing the challenges and fostering international collaboration, we can unlock the full potential of SDI and create a more informed and resilient world.

Monitoring Construction in Progress Projects

In cities experiencing rapid growth and development, effectively monitoring and controlling construction activities has become an increasingly challenging task for city officials. The sheer volume and complexity of construction projects make it difficult to ensure compliance with regulations, track progress, and address delays and violations promptly.

Consequently, this lack of control leads to economic inefficiencies, environmental and social risks. Unfinished projects result in delayed economic turnover and inefficient budget utilization. Environmental regulations may be overlooked, causing harm to ecosystems. Construction disturbances and safety risks negatively affect the quality of life for residents and businesses nearby.

Construction in Progress refer to projects of capital construction, whose construction has not yet been completed. These projects have obtained a «Building Permit,» but they have not received the necessary «Certificate of Occupancy», making them unfit for their intended purpose and their final value undetermined.

The Need for a Monitoring Module

With the increasing number of Construction in Progress projects, such as hospitals, educational institutions, roads, housing, and utilities projects, public funds are at risk of being wasted on incomplete structures.

There is a critical need for a construction project monitoring solution that empowers city officials to efficiently oversee and manage construction activities, thereby mitigating risks and fostering sustainable urban development.

To address this issue, many countries have undertaken systematic efforts to reduce the volume of Construction in Progress projects by implementing step-by-step plans and developing methodological frameworks. A crucial aspect of these efforts is the definition of general requirements for registering Construction in Progress projects and establishing criteria for maintaining registers. These registers should include comprehensive information about each Construction in Progress Facility, including its name, type, purpose, and the right holder.

Introducing the Geometa Module

The Geometa module is a solution designed to aid authorized bodies in maintaining registers of Construction in Progress projects, offering an efficient way to record crucial data and visualize project locations on thematic maps.

Key Features of the Geometa Module:

• Formation and Maintenance of Records: The module enables the creation and management of a city or regional-level register for unfinished construction objects. This includes capturing object characteristics, managing inclusion, changes, and removal from the register, and assigning a unique registry number. This streamlined process ensures accurate and up-to-date records for efficient tracking.
• Thematic Maps for Visualization: The module includes thematic maps displaying active construction lines, prolonged lines, ongoing projects, and overdue sites, facilitating visual understanding and informed decision-making.

• Monitoring: The module allows for monitoring of construction projects. City officials receive timely updates on project progress and compliance, enabling them to promptly identify delays or violations and take necessary action.

• Consolidated Cost Reporting: The module generates consolidated reports on the actual costs of maintaining construction projects in progress. This information supports efficient budgetary fund utilization, allowing city officials to optimize resource allocation.

Use Case: Implementation in the Komi Republic

In the Komi Republic, the Geometa module has been successfully deployed, allowing specialists from 20 municipalities and representatives of executive authorities to track Construction in Progress projects effectively. Users input data on these projects into the system, including details and supporting documents.

Feedback from Lyubov Kislyakova, a leading expert of the Ministry of Construction of the Komi Republic, highlights the benefits of the Geometa module. It has streamlined the regional register formation process, making data on capital expenditures readily available. The module allows for prompt generation of cards with the information on Construction in Progress projects, facilitates tracking of changes, and enables efficient data extraction and analysis.

Economic Benefits

• Efficient Resource Allocation: Optimize resource utilization, reducing waste and improving cost efficiency.
• Timely Project Completion: Identify and address delays promptly, avoiding costly setbacks.
• Improved Budget Management: Accurate cost insights aid in better budget planning and allocation.
• Enhanced Investment Attractiveness: Well-regulated construction environment attracts investors and stimulates economic growth.
• Minimized Disruptions: Timely monitoring reduces inconveniences for citizens, enhancing quality of life.

Streamlining Site Suitability Assessment for Residential Development

Assessing the site suitability for residential development is a common and crucial task in urban planning worldwide. Urban planners evaluate proposed residential constructions to ensure they comply with local regulations and meet parameters set by planning authorities. Factors such as setbacks, lot coverage, height restrictions, design guidelines, and neighborhood compatibility are considered to determine the suitability of a site for constructing private houses.

Geometa promotes the digitalization of urban planning services and offers tools to streamline and automate the assessment process. Through data analysis, document generation, and seamless interaction with government systems, Geometa improves efficiency, reduces administrative burdens, and enhances transparency.

The module provided by Geometa enables authorities to expedite decision-making by automatically evaluating the site’s suitability for proposed residential constructions. Functioning through a comprehensive two-step analytical check, the module initially evaluates the spatial relationships between various objects. Subsequently, it compares the declared values of parameters with the allowable intervals.

The module incorporates several essential criteria for evaluation. Currently, it offers checks for the following parameters:

• Compliance with the prescribed construction area standards in relation to the size of the land plot.
• Adherence to setback regulations and the absence of encroachment on restricted zones.
• Conformance to zoning regulations and adherence to designated territorial zones and subzones.
• Compliance with prescribed height and number of stories as outlined in the relevant planning guidelines.
• Adherence to the prescribed setback distances from the left, right, rear, and front boundaries of the land plot.
• Alignment with the intended type of permitted use in accordance with regional planning regulations.

Importantly, the module can be customized to fit specific urban planning requirements and local regulations.

Previously, assessments relied on manual comparisons, but Geometa’s module automates the process, generating comprehensive reports. If there are no inconsistencies, planners can submit notifications confirming the site’s suitability for residential development. If non-compliance is found, the system generates pre-filled notices with justifications.

By adopting Geometa’s module, urban planning practices benefit from improved decision-making, reduced manual efforts, and increased accuracy and efficiency in assessing the site suitability for residential development.

Geometa’s Year in Review

Geometa, the pioneering company in automating urban planning and land use, recently marked its 16th anniversary. Over the past year, the Geometa team has continued to make remarkable progress in implementing projects and refining its own platform. In this article, we reflect on the results of 2022 and proudly share our achievements.

In collaboration with our esteemed partners, we are thrilled to introduce the Geometa platform. With its modular structure, the platform offers individual customization options to cater to the specific needs of our customers. The platform’s advanced technology enables seamless handling of documents, images, and spatial data in various formats. This versatility empowers Geometa to find applications across diverse domains, maximizing its potential impact.

Applications of Geometa Modules

The Geometa modules find extensive applications in various sectors, including:

• Urban Planning: Offering services in electronic form, simplifying processes.
• City and Region Management: Facilitating integrated analytics for evaluating the urban environment’s quality, data-driven decision-making, and enhancing the investment climate.
• Agriculture: Assessing the effectiveness of agricultural subsidies and conducting inventories of fertile land.
• Forestry: Efficient management of forest resources.
• Real Estate: Collecting data, conducting market analysis, and calculating cadastral and market values of properties.
• Industry: Streamlining operations across numerous divisions, including remote locations, and solving analytical tasks using maps featuring real estate objects, deposits, pipelines, railways, mines, and more.

Reflecting on 2022

The past year has been transformative for Geometa, marked by significant milestones and breakthroughs:

• Contract Expansion: We proudly signed 80 contracts, doubling the number from the previous year (2021).
• Metallurgical Automation: We launched a project in collaboration with one of the largest metallurgical companies in the CIS to automate work with copper ore deposits.
• State Cadastral Valuation: Geometa embarked on a project focused on state cadastral valuation.
• Module Development: We developed 25 new modules and issued 23 system updates, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving requirements.
• Educational Platform Expansion: Geometa added 12 new courses to its educational platform, contributing to the professional growth and development of our users.
• Exceptional Technical Support: We successfully closed 96% of technical support requests, emphasizing our commitment to customer satisfaction.

Notable Achievements of 2022

Several accomplishments from 2022 highlight Geometa’s commitment to innovation and collaboration:

• CIS Conference on Digital Systems in Urban Planning: Geometa proudly organized and partnered with the only CIS conference dedicated to digital systems in urban planning. The event brought together 325 experts, fostering a platform for knowledge exchange and mutual development.
• Mapping API Integration: Geometa launched a mapping API to simplify integration with external systems and enable access to spatial objects within the system in vector form.
• Land Use and Development Rules Automation: We introduced the «Automation of Changes to Land Use and Development Rules» module, enabling authorities to independently make local changes to draft land use and development plans without relying on third-party contractors.
• Streamlining Utility Mapping: Geometa’s Module for Efficient Network and Communication Management: Geometa developed and implemented the «Utility Mapping» module, allowing users to maintain up-to-date data on engineering networks and communications through an intuitive map interface.
• Metallurgical Sector Integration: We successfully launched the first project in this sector, enhancing the platform’s functionality to cater to license management.
• Urban Analytics Advancement: Our ongoing development of the Urban Analytics module aims to create a data-driven city management system. Users can now generate automated maps of traffic accidents, resident population, social infrastructure facilities, earthworks, and street visuals.
• State Cadastral Valuation Tools: Geometa expanded its capabilities by processing economic data and providing analytical tools for the real estate market within the field of state cadastral valuation.

Enabling Success: Key Factors and Appreciation

Achieving these exceptional results would not have been possible without the collective efforts of clients, system operators, software developers, and partner companies. Each project implementation is unique in terms of scope, degree of automation, and desired outcomes. We attribute the high level of customer trust to our expertise in city planning legislation and the adaptability of the Geometa platform.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our users, customers, partners, and teams involved in development, implementation, and support. Their feedback serves as our guiding light, directing our future development and inspiring us to embark on new and innovative experiments. We eagerly anticipate the future, where we can build upon our achievements and create transformative solutions that shape the cities of tomorrow.

Geometa’s Second Pilot Project in Yerevan

Geometa is proud to announce the successful implementation of our second pilot project in Yerevan, Armenia. This venture has not only expanded our reach into a foreign market but has also provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise when working internationally. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects that we addressed during the project, emphasizing the importance of application localization, navigating local laws and regulations, organizing processes effectively, meeting market demand, and establishing a unified data standard.

Localization

One of the fundamental steps in entering a new market is adapting our product to the local culture and language. In Yerevan, we used the basic Geometa application while ensuring that the metadata was available in both Armenian and Russian. This approach allowed us to quickly address any issues that arose during the implementation process. We recognized that language barriers can hinder software installation and technical support, leading to increased project timelines. To address this challenge, we have established a strong partnership with a local integrator company in Yerevan.

Navigating Local Laws and Regulations

Operating in a foreign market necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework unique to that region. Although Armenia shares similarities with our previous projects, we acknowledged the need to familiarize ourselves with the specific regulations governing urban planning and land use in Yerevan. To gain in-depth knowledge, we conducted on-site visits, engaged with local stakeholders, and closely interacted with users. This approach allowed us to tailor our product and draft accurate terms of reference, ultimately delivering a solution that not only met customer expectations but could also be effectively utilized. Positive feedback received during the project reinforced the significance of this hands-on approach.

Meeting Market Demand

Each country has its own pace of construction and specific system requirements. In Yerevan, we recognized a high demand for a module to monitor «Unfinished Construction» due to the ongoing construction boom and influx of migrants. To address this need, we conducted a comprehensive survey to assess the suitability of our existing solution and explore the possibility of developing a new one. Understanding the market dynamics and tailoring our offerings accordingly allowed us to align with the unique requirements of the region.

Establishing a Unified Data Standard

The implementation of geoinformation systems brings to light various data-related challenges, as analytics and forecasts rely on the quality and consistency of available data. In Yerevan, we identified the need to establish an information base and develop a system of data requirements for data actualization and vectorization processes. This became particularly pertinent during the ongoing development of the general plan in Yerevan. By proactively addressing this issue, we aimed to streamline data management practices and facilitate more accurate analyses and forecasting.

The pilot project in Yerevan has been a significant experience for Geometa, allowing us to expand our presence in a foreign market while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in international settings. As we move forward, we will build upon these learnings to further strengthen our position as a global leader in the industry.

Geometa’s Business Mission to Indonesia

From June 19th to June 23rd, 2023, Geometa embarked on a business mission to Indonesia. Headed by Maria Bobyleva, the Head of Marketing, and Ivan Prituliak, the Head of Project Management Office, the team set out to explore potential collaborations and showcase the capabilities of Geometa’s technologies in the context of Indonesia’s ambitious smart city initiatives.

Now, let’s delve deeper into our activities and accomplishments during the business mission in Indonesia.

On June 20th, an important meeting took place between Geometa’s team and the Nusantara administration. With Indonesia planning to relocate its capital from Jakarta to a new city named Nusantara in East Kalimantan, we recognized the immense potential for collaboration. During the meeting, Maria showcased Geometa’s extensive expertise in effectively organizing and navigating urban planning documentation, emphasizing the critical role of integrating spatial data and documents for efficient and informed city planning. She demonstrated how Geometa’s solutions can seamlessly incorporate and analyze various urban planning documents, enabling stakeholders to make well-informed decisions.

Furthermore, we highlighted Geometa’s advanced capabilities in monitoring construction activities within rapidly growing cities. Geometa can provide updates and insights into ongoing construction projects, allowing city authorities to closely monitor progress, ensure compliance with regulations, and mitigate potential disruptions.

During the meeting, fruitful discussions took place, and we explored the possibility of implementing a pilot use case, laying the foundation for a promising partnership.

The following day, our team had the privilege of visiting the impressive Smart Cities & Communities Centre at Bandung Technical University. The innovative projects being developed there left us inspired. Recognizing the value of collaboration and knowledge exchange, further discussions were initiated to explore future opportunities for cooperation.

June 21st marked a crucial day for Geometa, as we participated in a partner event for the largest system integrators in Indonesia. Maria Bobyleva took the stage to pitch Geometa’s solution. The team also engaged in productive introductory meetings with several integrators, fostering new relationships and laying the groundwork for future partnerships.

On June 22nd, we held three meetings at the offices of system integrators. During these sessions, we showcased our technologies and discussed how they could be integrated into existing systems.

Coinciding with Jakarta’s birthday, we had the privilege of visiting Jakarta Smart City on June 22nd. This prestigious occasion offered us an opportunity to showcase the Geometa solutions in the heart of Indonesia’s capital city. We demonstrated the capabilities of Geometa, highlighting how it can contribute to the city’s smart initiatives and urban planning efforts.

Geometa’s business mission to Indonesia proved to be a resounding success. The meetings held with the Nusantara administration and system integrators, coupled with the visits to Bandung Technical University and Jakarta Smart City, provided invaluable opportunities to showcase Geometa’s expertise in smart city solutions. The positive reception and interest received from key stakeholders highlighted the potential for fruitful collaborations and partnerships in the future.

We are enthusiastic about the prospect of further advancing partnerships and contributing to the ongoing development of smart cities in Indonesia.