Within the last decade, we’ve seen companies in every industry leverage big data to become more efficient, save money, and connect with customers. However, the most common uses of big data aren’t the only exciting developments in the field ”the massive potential of big data lies in its diverse applications. There are so many opportunities for the technology to improve our lives in many different ways ”some of which may surprise you. Here are just 7 of the countless unusual ways big data can make a big impact.
1. Animal populations and migrations
As habitat destruction, climate change, and a growing human population (around 7.4 billion in 2016), more and more species all the time are becoming endangered or extinct altogether. By understanding more about current populations and how they move in their natural habitats, conservationists can help protect them. But how can researchers accurately study animals in harsh environments that are often difficult to navigate? Big data, of course. Using cameras to capture animal migration paths and other behavior, big data tools can be used to sift through all the information these cameras provide, giving researchers insights about animals in their natural habitats.
2. Billboards
Long gone are the days when companies would simply rent space on a billboard and just hope potential customers driving by would take notice. Instead of simply estimating how many people had seen the ad to set prices, new analytical tools can provide engagement statistics. Using eye-tracking devices and GPS, modern billboard owners can track how many people looked at and engaged with the ad, assess traffic patterns, and dynamically price the billboard space based on these statistics. It’s much easier for advertisers to know the kind of impact a billboard is having, and it’s easier for billboard owners to price appropriately.
3. Reducing emergency room visits
Many people head to the emergency room simply because they don’t know of other options or don’t have them. Often, they wind up in the emergency room far too often, sometimes in multiple hospitals on an almost daily basis. Because healthcare organizations don’t usually share information, a repeat visitor might go unnoticed for months at a time. Big data is playing a role in changing that. Some hospitals are stepping up early interventional medicine to provide better care for chronic emergency users and to cut down on costs. Companies are using this tactic too ”Caesar’s Entertainment Corp. estimates it saved about $4.5 million by reducing emergency room visits through education for its employees.
4. Pro sports ticket pricing
Airlines aren’t the only companies using predictive analytics to dynamically price tickets. Sports officials have one goal: to sell as many tickets as possible, at the highest possible price. Because of this, they leverage big data to figure out when to raise or lower prices for the highest profit margin overall. While these tactics might make sports fans grumble, it’s a way for teams to bring in the most revenue ”something that is every business’s goal.
5. Ski safety and patrolling
Skiing is a dangerous sport, and it’s crucial that resort operators to whatever they can to reduce injury and fraud. Many resorts now provide visitors with RFID chip-enabled lift tickets. These tickets allow the resort to analyze lift usage based on time of day and day of the week. In addition, the smart tickets cut down on fraud and can help locate lost or injured skiers who might need assistance. Some resorts even provide visitors with statistics for their day of skiing, a fun extra that wouldn’t be possible without big data.
6. Optimizing Energy Usage
In order to reduce our global carbon footprint and ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need, optimizing and cutting down on energy use is crucial. Smart grids are a good step in the right direction toward smart cities ”these devices analyze energy usage based on time of day, and distribute resources where they’re needed. Other devices, like smart water meters, are helping in areas of drought to cut down on illegal watering. In Long Beach, CA, some homeowners have cut down their water usage by as much as 80% thanks to big data.
7. Urban Foraging
The middle of the city probably isn’t your first thought when you think of the word foraging . However, thanks to big data, the website Falling Fruit is helping urban residents see the bounty available in their neighborhood. An interactive map shows users where fruit and other edibles are likely to be growing in their area. It’s just one of the many ways big data is making our world a better place!
