Geospatial Intelligence in Business: A Geographic Information System-Based Approach

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become a pivotal tool in modern business strategies, offering geospatial intelligence that significantly enhances decision-making processes. This paper analyzes recreational and sports facilities across Quebec using data from the Open Database of Recreational and Sport Facilities (ODRSF) sourced from Statistics Canada. The research identifies trends and patterns in facility distribution and density to provide insights into regional recreational infrastructure. The study utilizes descriptive analysis, geographic visualization, and heat map techniques to examine the concentration of facilities in various Census Subdivisions (CSDs). Key findings reveal that Gatineau, Montréal, Shawinigan, Laval, Québec, Longueuil, and Sherbrooke exhibit the highest recreational and sports facilities densities, indicating significant community engagement in these areas. The analysis also highlights the prevalence of parks, pools, and sports fields, with parks being the most common facility type, followed by pools and sports fields. The implications of these findings are substantial for businesses and policymakers. High-density regions present opportunities for targeted market strategies, including optimal site selection for new facilities and tailored product offerings. The study also suggests the potential for community-focused programs and partnerships to enhance recreational investments. Overall, the research provides substantial insights into the spatial distribution of recreational facilities, offering a basis for strategic planning and further investigation in the sports and leisure sector.