Bryn Fosburgh, President, WGIC 

During my 40+ years in the geospatial industry, my tenure over the last 18 months at WGIC has been a rewarding personal and professional experience. Our membership is diverse and is inclusive of companies from all continents, standing true to our name. Our membership offers several unique perspectives on how geospatial technology, data, and services best contribute to solving the complex challenges the world presents today.  

In line with our mission and collective member aspirations, WGIC has been relentlessly working to expand the value proposition of geospatial and Earth observation technologies and create advocacy, business, and networking opportunities for its members, and 2024 is no exception. Our membership and the advocacy of our staff fill me with such great hope and confidence that geospatial technology will be the next utility and backbone of our professional and personal lives.  

Growth Momentum 

2024 has been a landmark year for WGIC, with a robust 30% growth in our membership. This growth reflects our expanding influence and vibrant engagement within the communities WGIC serves. 

We welcomed MDA Space and Space 42 into the WGIC fold as patron members during the year. Three cheers also to Asterra, ConsultingWhere, DataDev, Diamondback Land Surveying, Etch Ltd, GeoBiro, GeoSAS, GeoSolutions, Inovaantage, iSpatial Techno Solutions, Kompass BMS, MakePath, MBS, Mena3D, Nara Space, NavVis, PhotoSat, Plan Blue, Pointly, Space Aye, ReOrbit, TechG-X, and TopoDOT for coming together with WGIC.  

Together with all its members, WGIC is a formidable force on the world stage today. It embodies the spirit of Ubuntu (an African philosophy that translates to “I am, because you are”), co-creating the global geospatial industry landscape. I am grateful for your unwavering support and ongoing engagement with WGIC. 

Continuous Alignment with Member Needs 

WGIC implements its mission and strategic goals through its committees. These goals are often dynamic and purpose-driven to meet the evolving needs of our members. Many member companies articulated the need for a platform to address the pressing issues around geospatial data, the bedrock of all geospatial businesses. Responding to these member needs, WGIC announced the formation of the Data Committee in 2024. The committee is actively pursuing issues around data procurement cycles, data interoperability, data management, and data reusability within the industry. 

On another note, I wish to draw your attention to the fact that WGIC is the only global trade association in the geospatial sector to identify, discuss, research, and advocate innovative business models. This fits perfectly into WGIC’s Strategic Goal #3 - To create business opportunities for the geospatial industry. After bringing out two valuable reports to further this goal, the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Committee revisited its scope of work and decided to broaden it beyond PPP and explore diverse funding mechanisms. The committee decided to go beyond the conventional bubble, examine the needs of geospatial projects from various sectors, and promote sustainable business practices. Consequently, the committee was renamed ‘Project Funding and Sustainability Committee’. The committee is now actively exploring the many aspects of geospatial project financing modalities. 

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) Committee continued its commitment to celebrate DEI champions with the annual WGIC DEI Trailblazers awards to recognize and honor professionals, leaders, and organizations making significant contributions to advancing DEI within the geospatial community. Further, the DEI committee has been actively addressing the concerns of our members around the recruitment of suitably skilled workforce and bridging the skill gap in the geospatial industry. 

In 2024, the Policy Development and Advocacy Committee focused on the impact and relevance of Generative AI (GenAI) in the geospatial and Earth observation sectors. In 2025, the committee intends to publish a comprehensive report on the current state of GenAI applications, review the legal frameworks, and assess the benefits and challenges of integrating GenAI in various application sectors.  

Deepening Partnerships

Partnerships and collaboration with organizations within and beyond the core geospatial community are the cornerstones of WGIC’s mission. Each year, WGIC forges newer and deeper connections with user communities that benefit from geospatial data and technologies. In 2024, WGIC deepened its existing partnership with the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), the largest global alliance for city climate leadership across the globe. Our collaboration birthed the significant report – Accelerating City Climate Action Through Geospatial Data. Further, the Partnership & Industry Engagement (P&IE) committee is actively exploring new partners, including The World Ocean Council, and how they fit in to serve the needs of our member community. 

 Compelling Value Through Expanded Outreach and Marcom 

Global outreach is the mantra WGIC swears by to fulfil its strategic goals. Throughout the year, WGIC participated in 50+ national and international events across the globe, championing our members and spearheading our collective purpose. We evolved strategies supporting the geospatial industry’s rapid growth through side events at major conferences and panel discussions on themes of interest and relevance for WGIC members, such as metaverse, geospatial workforce, future of infrastructure, and Earth observation for a sustainable future. 

WGIC expanded its marcom activity to create compelling value for our members. Through WGIC YouTube video podcast interviews, we brought global visibility to our member companies’ technology and business capabilities. By publishing member success stories and case studies, we began facilitating greater awareness about the robust technology implementations across sectors. WGIC’s sustained social media efforts that continuously engage with our members and their leadership are building bridges, amplifying the network benefits, fulfilling the industry’s felt but unmet needs, creating an inclusive culture, and elevating its stature.  

Leadership Transition 

2024 saw the transition in a few of WGIC leadership roles. John Renard (Cyient), who served WGIC in several essential roles since its inception, completed his term as the Secretary General in June 2024. John’s contributions and enduring leadership over the years have significantly advanced WGIC’s mission and impact globally. A huge shoutout to John for his fantastic work over the years. Marius Swanepoel (TomTom) has graciously agreed to step into the Secretary General position for a two-year term. Together with Marius, the WGIC executive team is solidly placed to support the organization’s growth in the future.    

Moving Beyond Boundaries 

Looking ahead, We have dedicated significant effort this year to plan our inaugural WGIC Horizons 2025 – an event scheduled for 27-29 April 2025 in Denver, USA. The event focuses on uniting our sector and discussing crucial ideas and innovations. On behalf of the WGIC Board, office bearers, and the secretariat, I invite you to join us at the spectacular Denver Art Museum and explore how the industry is “Moving Beyond Boundaries.” This theme encapsulates the spirit of exploring the exciting opportunities presented by facilitating a shared conversation on the crossroads of geospatial and Earth observation technologies and the larger ecosystems in every company, organization, and government. Your presence and support are integral to the success of Horizons 2025.  

See you all in Denver at WGIC Horizons 2025!