AI, automation, and real-time data are redefining how retail wins in competitive markets
As we close out 2025, it’s clear that GIS has evolved dramatically—desktop tools got smarter, web GIS is growing into full platforms, open source is becoming more mainstream, and new datasets are reshaping how retail decisions get made. For CRE retail agents and retailers, that means GIS is no longer just “nice map support” but a core competitive advantage for winning sites, optimizing formats, and telling better stories to investors and executives.
This recent article; “2025 GIS Recap: Desktop, Web, Data, and GeoAI for Retail Real Estate Pros“; by Bryan G Chandler, SVP, Managing Director of Innovation and Technology at TSCG offers exceptional insights into how GIS is transforming from a support function into a core competitive advantage for commercial real estate. His comprehensive analysis of 2025’s biggest trends—from AI copilots to real-time data ecosystems—is essential reading for anyone serious about location intelligence.
Bryan comments; “For retailers, brokers, and real estate leaders, the big takeaway is that staying fluent in this new world of GIS is no longer optional. The teams that treat geospatial as a strategic capability, not a support function, will be the ones that navigate 2026’s tight supply, shifting consumer behaviors, and rising expectations with confidence.
I highly encourage you to the complete article for a comprehensive breakdown of where our industry is heading with advances in GIS and AI.
Key discussion points include:
- AI-Powered Automation: Desktop GIS platforms are integrating AI copilots to automate analytics, assist with coding, and accelerate market studies, shifting focus from manual tasks to orchestrating cloud and AI ecosystems.
- Web GIS Platforms are evolving becoming full application ecosystems, not just map viewers.
- Open Source Maturity: Open source geospatial tools are becoming mainstream for CRE, enabling customized, cost-efficient analytics stacks and tailored site selection platforms.
- Real-Time Data Focus: The geospatial data landscape is shifting its priorities from volume to timeliness and integration. This means moving away from static snapshots toward dynamic market intelligence that can respond to micro-trends and real-time market activity.
- GIS is increasingly essential for retailers, agents, shopping center owners, REITs, and investors to navigate the evolving retail landscape and identify opportunities in competitive markets where prime space is scarce and rents are rising.
With all of this incredible innovation, here’s what STILL matters: while these technological advances are powerful, the foundation still rests on good, reliable data.
Staying fluent in this new world of GIS is no longer optional
And perhaps more critically, we can’t lose sight of the human element—experience and expertise remain irreplaceable in translating data into strategic decisions
As one commenter wisely noted, it’s crucial not to devalue this human element in the process.
In a world of “Location, Location, Location,” GIS gives us the edge to identify opportunity and quantify trade-offs. The teams that treat geospatial as a strategic capability, not just a support function, will navigate 2026’s challenges with confidence.
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Tama J Shor President, Directory of Major Malls / ShoppingCenters.com
With nearly 40 years of experience in retail research and shopping center industry analysis, Tama has expanded DMM’s portfolio from legacy print products to comprehensive digital solutions including online platforms, custom reporting, data licensing, and mobile/geospatial analytics. Her expertise has established DMM as a leading retail data source for industry, finance, media, academic, and government sectors. Connect with Tama on LinkedIn.
