The 3 main advantages of owning your own mobile mapping data with Scanfly

In a tech landscape that’s increasingly focused on “all-inclusive” solutions that lock customers into subscription plans and software providers, the ability to keep ownership of your mobile mapping data is becoming a key differentiator. Scanfly is leading the way in this area, giving total control back to its customers.

The “turnkey” solutions offered by many service providers in the geospatial industry, particularly in mobile mapping and surveying, promise ease and convenience. However, this apparent simplicity often hides a fundamental limitation: the user has access to the data, but does not own it, nor do they have the freedom to choose how to process, host, or analyse their LiDAR and image acquisitions. While these service models may seem attractive in the short term, they come with significant drawbacks for professionals in surveying, infrastructure management, and mobile mapping.

Why is data ownership so important?

Relying on third-party services can lead to several problems, including financial dependence and a lack of control over your most valuable assets: your data. By purchasing hardware such as Scanfly systems, you eliminate the “sunk cost fallacy” of recurring subscriptions and gain complete control.

Here are the three main advantages:

1. Full control and operational flexibility

Owning your own mobile mapping data means having full control over how, when, and where you use the information you collect. With a system like Scanfly, you are not bound by third-party terms and conditions, restrictions, or license limitations.

This translates into:

• Freedom of use: You can use the data for any internal project without incurring additional licensing costs. Whether it’s internal analysis, resale, or integration with other systems, the choice is yours.
• Access management: You decide who has access to the data, whether it’s internal teams, external customers, or partners. This autonomy is crucial for security and collaboration.
• Future adaptability: You have the flexibility to update, rework, or integrate data with new emerging technologies without depending on external suppliers.
• No risk of service interruptions: You don’t have to worry about service interruptions due to changes in third-party supplier policies.

For organisations that base their decisions on geospatial data, this level of control ensures maximum operational flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to new requirements.

2. Data security and advanced compliance

Keeping mobile mapping data in-house minimises exposure to security breaches and compliance risks. Fewer access points equal fewer potential points of security failure.

Key benefits include:

• Reduced breaches: The less data you share with external cloud platforms, the less you are exposed to unauthorised access by third parties.
• Regulatory compliance: Avoid potential violations of data privacy laws such as the GDPR in the EU, the CCPA in California, and other regional regulations that may apply to the use of third-party services. Many countries, such as Saudi Arabia and South Korea, have data localisation or sovereignty laws that require personal data to be stored on physical servers located in the country of origin. With in-house data, you are in control.
• Protection for sensitive data: For governments, defense contractors, and critical infrastructure companies working with sensitive geospatial data related to national security, internal storage dramatically reduces risks compared to third-party cloud platforms that could be targeted by hackers.

Scanfly, with its architecture that promotes data ownership, ensures that your critical information remains secure and under your control.

3. Competitive advantage and revenue potential

Exclusive access to high-quality geospatial data can give your company a significant strategic advantage. By owning your data, you can not only optimise internal operations but also explore new business opportunities.

This includes:

• Offering proprietary datasets: You can offer your customers proprietary datasets, instead of having to purchase or license external ones, setting yourself apart from the competition.
• Always up-to-date maps: Generate up-to-date maps without relying on outdated or generic third-party datasets.
• Customised datasets: Collect customised datasets tailored to your specific needs, rather than using generic, publicly available data.
• New sources of income: You have the option to sell or license your data to third parties, such as urban planners, infrastructure developers, or mapping platforms, creating an additional revenue stream.

With Scanfly, your initial investment in hardware guarantees you a data asset that can be reused, updated, or repurposed at no additional cost, maximising your long-term return on investment.

Concluding remarks

Owning your mobile mapping data with systems such as Scanfly gives you control, security, and long-term financial benefits. Whether you operate in surveying, urban planning, infrastructure management, or any industry that relies on geospatial intelligence, having exclusive rights to your data is the key to financial success and security.

Ready to take control of your mobile mapping data? Find out how Scanfly can support your strategy.