The General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information has implemented a national initiative to collect, classify, and update Points of Interest (POI) data in the city of Riyadh according to best international practices, with the aim of updating the unified national geospatial database and enhancing its completeness and reliability, thus supporting planning and smart decision-making based on accurate and updated geospatial data.

Points of Interest (POI) are locations of functional and service value. Besides the spatial location, they include descriptive data and detailed classifications that clarify the nature and characteristics of the location according to an approved classification structure, based on best international practices in building and classifying geospatial data.

The project relies on field verification of sites and associated data, employing modern technologies for data hosting and management through an interactive platform that allows monitoring of work and review of outputs, thereby contributing to improving the accuracy and updating of geospatial data and enhancing its integration with data from relevant entities.

The initiative's work so far has included collecting and classifying more than 100,000 points of interest, representing about 35% of Riyadh's area. Collection and updating efforts continue to reach more than 300,000 points of interest covering the city, including key sectors such as education, health, hospitality, infrastructure, tourism, transportation, attractions, sports and entertainment, and commerce.

Points of interest data contribute to supporting geospatial analysis, artificial intelligence and geospatial intelligence applications, and improving search results on maps and digital platforms, in addition to enhancing their utilization in national projects and urban and development planning.

The implementation of the initiative comes within the framework of the tasks assigned to the authority under its regulations, which include developing the national geospatial infrastructure and providing data, products, services, and applications related to the sector, thereby enhancing the quality, reliability, and integration of national geospatial data, and supporting its use in planning, decision-making, and implementation of development projects.