Through the lens of innovation: Intergeo 2025

The most recent edition of Intergeo – the world’s leading geospatial gathering – left no doubt that geoinformation has moved into the mainstream. What was once a specialist field now shapes societal decisions relating to energy, mobility, climate policy and urban development, to name but a few areas of relevance. This article presents a roundup of the key trends, developments and innovations that were on display in Frankfurt in early October, as well as a sense of the optimism in the industry.

From satellites observing the planet to drones mapping the surface, and from the rise of GeoAI to the immersive world of 3D digital twins, at Intergeo 2025 there were countless tangible examples of geoinformation’s societal relevance. The exhibition floor overflowed with innovation and ambition, from advanced reality capture to the latest developments in AI-driven analysis. Earth observation also claimed a larger share of attention this year, although this is not surprising as it has become one of the essential pillars for mapping and understanding the environment, both on a grand scale and at local level.

Making industry themes more tangible

With a slightly different structure compared with previous years, Intergeo 2025 introduced some fresh formats that increased the dynamism and made key industry themes more tangible than ever. For instance, the Application Dome was a vibrant showcase of practical solutions spanning smart cities, construction, mobility and energy. On the Main Stage, the spotlight was on GeoAI, sensor integration and workflow optimization, all topics that continue to redefine how technology connects and empowers the geospatial profession. Yet beyond the impressive technology, it was the exchange of knowledge and experiences that gave the event its real energy – connecting product, practice and policy to turn insights into action, and translating innovation into tangible outcomes for the world beyond the exhibition floor.

For the first time, reality capture was conceptually integrated across the entire event, linking the Conference, both Expo stages and the Reality Capturing Podcast Studio, realized in cooperation with Intergeo partner 3Dise. “With the Expo stages, we showcase cutting-edge innovations and opened perspectives for countless use cases,” said Olaf Freier, CEO of HINTE Expo & Conference, the team behind Intergeo. “Reality capture is the next big topic, unlocking new potential. For me, one thing has become clear: data is not just a resource, it is a responsibility.”

Merging the digital and physical worlds

Reality capture is central to the theme that stood out at Intergeo 2025 above all others: the growing coherence between the digital and physical worlds. The widespread focus on digital twins and building information modelling (BIM) was a stark reminder that resilient infrastructure – whether for transport, energy or urban planning – begins long before construction starts nowadays. Engineering design is now an online, data-driven process. With today’s scanning and surveying technologies setting new benchmarks in efficiency, data quality and precision, 3D models can be created faster and in more detail than ever before.

The industry’s thirst for ever-more efficient, accurate and flexible ways to capture and understand the world in three dimensions was reflected in the abundance of portable/wearable/mobile mapping solutions at Intergeo. For example, there were so many handheld SLAM scanners on display – at times, it felt as if there was one on every stand! – that the market seems to be nearing saturation, which will inevitably lead to consolidation. One could also question whether such solutions are genuine examples of innovation, or whether many manufacturers are actually leaning (rather heavily) on the ideas of earlier pioneers? As with all hardware, what matters most is the technology under the hood, in combination with how it helps to enrich the user experience and streamline workflows for geospatial professionals. So it will be interesting to see which of the current suppliers will still be around for Intergeo 2028, for instance.

Optimism and momentum

At the traditional midweek press conference, the atmosphere was one of optimism and momentum. Despite global uncertainty, the panel members – Ralf Mosler (Autodesk), Boris Skopljak (Trimble), Sebastian Pache (Esri Deutschland), Rudolf Staiger (president of the Society for Geodesy, Geoinformation and Land Management [DVW] and organizer of Intergeo), Henning Sandfort (Hexagon Geosystems and Leica Geosystems) and Olaf Freier (Hinte Expo & Conference) – all agreed that the geospatial sector continues to move forward with purpose and confidence.

Rudolf Staiger captured that sentiment early on. “These are insecure times when it comes to our safety,” he said, “but I don’t see the insecurity here [at Intergeo].” The DVW president underlined the strength of the community: “We have the technology, the knowledge, and the tools. What we need more is a positive mindset”. He returned several times to the topic of data, calling for a new awareness of its value and validity. “90% of the data created by mankind is less than two years old,” he observed. “This will continue.” The question, he argued, is no longer how much data we can collect, but how it is handled and verified. “Nobody wants fake news – or fake data.” His words resonated at a time when AI both amplifies opportunities and raises new questions about trust. The abundance of data, he implied, is both a strength and a pitfall: while information is everywhere, turning it into actionable insight remains a shared challenge. “AI has smashed the industry,” commented Olaf Freier – not as a warning, but as recognition of how profoundly artificial intelligence is reshaping the geospatial world.

Spirit of collaboration

He went on to emphasize the event’s role as the meeting point where innovation and people truly connect. That theme of connection – between data, people, and processes – was echoed by other panellists at the press conference. Trimble’s Boris Skopljak expressed enthusiasm for the spirit of collaboration he sensed at Intergeo. “I love that we’re showing up together, as an industry,” he said. For him, working together is essential to “elevate the industry” and demonstrate its ongoing relevance. Skopljak dismissed any notion that the geospatial field might be stagnating. On the contrary, he described it as expanding into new domains, where users increasingly come from outside the traditional surveying community. “The world begins at the office,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of connecting field data with broader decision-making processes. He also pointed out that subscription-based access is no longer limited to software or cloud platforms, but now extends to hardware and equipment too – a sign of how digital usage models are reshaping the profession. “There is no one solution that wins it all,” he added. “It’s the combination that makes the difference.”

Ralf Mosler of Autodesk built on that idea, pointing out the importance of integrating BIM and geospatial information systems (GIS): “BIM plus GIS is what we need in order to solve challenges and help the world forward.” Yet he also acknowledged that “our industry is still siloed, and this is a problem.” To move ahead, he said, interoperability and open data are key to “setting things in motion”. Mosler also reflected on how the younger generation approaches technology differently, emphasizing immersive reality as an environment that fits their way of working. His advice: “We need to train our digital muscles.”

Untapped potential

For Esri’s Sebastian Pache, the Intergeo energy was unmistakable. “You can feel the heartbeat of the geospatial community here,” he commented, highlighting the event’s unique momentum. At the same time, he stressed the need for collaboration in shaping the frameworks that underpin progress. “All stakeholders are responsible for the standards,” he reminded the audience. “Standards? Yes, but please together, as a team.”

Henning Sandfort, president of Hexagon Geosystems and CEO of Leica Geosystems, summed up the current tone of the industry: “A lot of positive sentiment, despite the environment we are in.” For Sandfort, progress depends on how collaboration is structured within and between ecosystems. He emphasized that “the whole industry builds on the expertise of our surveyors,” and pointed to the construction sector as an example of untapped potential: “Construction still holds so many opportunities to drive meaningful change.”

Geospatial ecosystem

Intergeo 2025 came to life as a vibrant geospatial ecosystem, where technology, innovation and collaboration seamlessly converged. In the exhibition halls, ideas flowed as naturally as the data streams that define the industry itself. From sensor systems and AI-driven workflows to real-world applications in construction, mobility and energy, every corner offered a glimpse into the future of spatial intelligence. Everywhere you turned, something new demanded attention: smarter sensors, faster workflows, sharper insights. The sheer density of innovation was a vivid reminder of just how fast this industry continues to evolve, not least thanks to partnerships between different manufacturers who are combining their offerings like pieces of a puzzle to develop truly groundbreaking solutions.

In line with tradition, the energy of the event shifted noticeably on the Wednesday as large groups of students filled the halls, eager to explore the technologies shaping the future of mapping and measurement. Their presence added a refreshing sense of curiosity and vitality, reminding everyone that the next generation is waiting in the wings ready to take over the baton. Although more still needs to be done to attract students to geospatial programmes, this influx of youngsters brought hope that the geospatial future may look bright after all.

Expanding the community

Throughout the event, the GeoCampus was a popular meeting point for talent, science and industry, reminding everyone of the value of gathering as a community to exchange knowledge, ideas and energy. As Olaf Freier said during the press conference, the human element remains essential: “Live events such as Intergeo are irreplaceable. This is where technology meets the community.” His fellow panellist Sandfort made a resonating statement: “We talk a lot about the community, but we also need to find ways to talk outside our community.” And perhaps that’s where the next frontier for Intergeo lies: not only in showcasing what the geospatial sector can do for itself, but in opening the doors wider, inviting visitors from beyond the traditional boundaries of the field. After all, the impact of geospatial thinking reaches far beyond maps and measurements alone; it shapes the way society plans, builds and understands the world around.

At GIM International, we remain committed to keeping our finger on the pulse of the latest hardware and software in the geospatial field, and we definitely regard Intergeo as an effective way to do so. What was your personal highlight at Intergeo 2025? And where do you think we’ll see noteworthy developments in the coming years? We’re keen to hear your thoughts. Send an email to: wim.van.wegen@geomares.nl. 

Intergeo 2025 at a glance
• 18,500 visitors from 119 countries
• 530 exhibitors
• 1,200+ conference participants from 52 nations
• Innovations included: advanced sensor technologies, high-precision real-time positioning, AI and powerful software tools
• Next edition: 15-17 September 2026 in Munich, Germany