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The concept of geospatial predictive analysis is coming to life and will play a major role in making our world safer. According to a recent Fast Company article, experts are now using these cutting-edge algorithms and data analysis techniques to do everything from predicting terrorist activity, preventing auto theft and even anticipating where meth labs will open up.

Here’s an excerpt from that article about one member of academia who is truly breaking boundaries when it comes to geospatial predictive analysis:

Max Lu, a professor at Kansas State University, developed a novel method of finding meth labs through geospatial predictive analytics. In the 2009 book Geography and Drug Addiction, Lu and partner Jessica Burnum applied spatial data analysis tools to compiled information on the informal meth industry in Colorado Springs and rural Kansas. Burnum and Lu examined data collected from 2002 to 2005 on seized meth lab equipment and where rogue chemists dumped the toxic by-products of methamphetamine manufacture. Using the data, the pair were able to successfully prove meth manufacture was creeping slowly through more and more middle-class neighborhoods in Colorado Springs. Map data analyzed over time successfully demonstrated the spread of meth labs throughout a metropolitan area–and even predicted where they would pop up next.

In addition, law enforcement is already using geospatial predictive analysis for fighting crime in general. For example, the Smart Policing Initiative integrates geospatial predictive analysis into all levels of crime fighting. Police departments in Lowell, Massachussetts, and New Haven, Connecticut, are using similar methods for finding blocks likely to host drug activity. And, USGIF member company GeoEye was featured in the article for its ability to use predictive analysis to find gang recruitment areas. Esri was also highlighted because of police departments worldwide using its specialized map intelligence software.

You can check out the full Fast Company article here.

Tags: ESRI, GeoEye, Geography and Drug Addiction, Geography and Drug Addiction and Max Lu, GEOINT and meth labs, Geospatia Intelligence and Meth labs, geospatial intelligence, Geospatial predictive analysis, Max Lu