Every week here at Geo Week News, we have been highlighting some of our favorite stories from around the internet that cover the geospatial, 3D, and AEC industries. Whether it’s a fascinating case study, insights from an industry thought leader, or deep dives into new tools, there is never any shortage of great writing and storytelling in this industry. So, below you can find links to three stories that we loved this week.
Geospatial governance as a national asset in Côte d’Ivoire
Staff Writer | GIM
Côte d’Ivoire is elevating geospatial governance as a national priority, with CIGN director and former UN-GGIM co-chair Fernand Bale outlining how updated mapping, strengthened standards, and capacity-building efforts are supporting urban planning and risk management. The interview highlights the country’s push for interoperable, policy-ready data and its strategic engagement with OGC to advance training and regional collaboration.
New Global Satellite Dataset for Humanitarian Routing and Tracking Infrastructure Change
Editor | GEO Informatics
HeiGIT has released a new global satellite-derived dataset that distinguishes paved and unpaved roads with far greater consistency than existing open sources, offering major improvements for routing, accessibility mapping, and infrastructure monitoring. Built from PlanetScope imagery and deep-learning models, the dataset provides a high-accuracy global classification and introduces a Humanitarian Passability Score to assess route accessibility under varying conditions. Its multi-temporal design also turns road networks into a dynamic indicator of development, supporting planning, climate resilience work, and SDG monitoring.
Automation in Construction: Building a Smarter, Safer Future
Ivo Van Breukelen | CIO Coverage
A sweeping look at automation in construction highlights how robotics, AI, drones, and 3D printing are beginning to address long-standing challenges around labor shortages, safety risks, project delays, and rising costs. The article outlines where these tools are gaining traction, from automated bricklaying and drone-based inspections to AI-driven planning and digital twins, and how they’re shifting construction toward faster, safer, and more efficient workflows. It also underscores the barriers that remain, particularly around investment, training, and cultural change, as the industry adapts to a more automated future.
