At the end of each month, the AGS team looks back at articles and blog posts that we saw this month that stood out to us. Some are from news agencies, and many come from our partners, but not all use our data. Here is the round-up from July 2026.
The Real Winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Might Be the U.S. Economy
Rather than focusing on who will lift the trophy, this Forbes article explores the tournament’s expected economic impact across the United States. With millions of visitors, packed stadiums, and global media attention, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to generate billions in spending while leaving a lasting legacy for host cities through tourism, infrastructure, and international exposure.
World Cup Didn’t Boost International Visitors In June—Here’s Why It Matters
The Best Cities for Coffee Lovers
If you know us, you know that the AGS team (especially Gary) runs on caffeine. Placer.ai analyzed foot traffic and coffee shop visitation patterns to identify the top U.S. cities for coffee enthusiasts. The study highlights how consumer behavior varies across markets and offers an interesting look at the geographic differences behind one of America’s favorite daily routines. Spoiler alert: Elyse loves this list because it includes Kansas City.
Placer Top 5: Cities for Coffee Lovers – Placer.ai Blog
What Esri UC Told Us About the Next Phase of GIS for Commercial Real Estate
This LinkedIn article highlights several of the biggest themes from this year’s Esri User Conference, including the growing role of GeoAI, workflow automation, and AI assistants in commercial real estate. While AI took center stage, the author notes that purpose-built industry workflows and high-quality data remain the foundation for delivering meaningful business value.
What Esri UC Told Us About the Next Phase of GIS in Commercial Real Estate | LinkedIn
Would You Want to Earn a Doctorate in Geospatial Leadership?
Joe Francica explores the idea of a professional doctorate focused on geospatial leadership, arguing that today’s GIS leaders need more than technical expertise. As geospatial technology becomes increasingly embedded in business strategy, the article makes the case for developing leaders who can bridge technology, management, and organizational change.
Would You Want to Earn a Doctorate in Geospatial Leadership? | LinkedIn
Beyond the Numbers: What India’s Next Census Will Reveal—and Why It Matters
India’s first census in more than a decade will do much more than update population totals. The article examines how the long-delayed count—including new caste data—will shape everything from infrastructure planning and government funding to political representation, making it one of the most significant demographic exercises in the world.
The Best GIS Software of 2026
G2’s annual review compares six leading GIS platforms based on user feedback, features, and ease of use. The list includes familiar names like Esri ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth Pro, Google Maps Platform, AutoCAD, and Maptitude, with recommendations tailored to different mapping and spatial analysis needs.
I Compared the 6 Best GIS Software Tools for Mapping (2026)
New Research Examines Illegal Immigration’s Impact on Texas
A new white paper from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas examines how unauthorized immigration affects Texas’ labor force, housing market, and broader economy. The findings suggest that immigrant workers continue to play an important role in supporting labor supply and economic growth while also contributing to increased demand for housing and public services.