The World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC) is poised for active participation in the upcoming INTERGEO 2023 conference, scheduled to be held from October 10 to 12 in Berlin, Germany. WGIC’s presence at the conference will encompass a range of substantive activities, including the unveiling of its Metaverse report, thought-provoking panel discussions on the role of geospatial technology in urban and oceanic contexts, and a dedicated panel addressing matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the industry.
Below is a brief on each event and the key highlights.
The Launch of WGIC’s Metaverse Report
October 10, 2023, 12:00 – 1:00 PM (CET), Room beta 5 | Hub 27
WGIC is using the occasion of INTERGEO 2023 to launch the next in its series of Global Policy Reports that address topics relevant to the geospatial sector and its partners. This report titled “Advancing the Role of Geospatial Data and Technologies – From Digital Twins to the Metaverse” explores the essential role of the geospatial sector in creating an integrated and linked virtual representation of our physical world. Panelists from WGIC Member Companies will describe their efforts, including opportunities and challenges for building out the Metaverse.
The selection of the Metaverse as WGIC’s current focus follows the Spatial Digital Twins report from the previous year. To dive deeper into the chosen focus area – spatial digital twins and build on the work done in 2022, WGIC looked at the role of geospatial data and technologies in building the metaverse. It is essential that the spatial data, tools, products, services, technologies, and expertise resident within our member organizations be used to create a metaverse that truly represents the physical universe we live in.
For additional details, please visit https://www.intergeo.de/en/intergeo-conference-en/#/topic/1176004
Panel on Geospatial Technologies for Cities
October 12, 2023, 12:00 – 1:00 PM (CET), Stage 2 | Hall 5.2
Climate change comes at a cost; it puts cities’ assets and people at risk. Geospatial technology provides valuable insights into climate change processes, helps cities in their decision-making, and supports the development of strategies to mitigate its impacts. Using geospatial data and tools enables cities to assess their readiness for climate risk, enhance monitoring capabilities, and assist in planning and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
The panel discussion will include a discussion of the ways geospatial data and technologies bring value to cities’ climate action efforts. WGIC member companies will discuss case studies and projects that relate to sustainability, digital twins, energy transition, transportation, water, and coastal resiliency.
It is important to note that WGIC’s Partnership and Industry Engagement (P&IE) Committee actively promotes using geospatial technologies to address city-level climate action. WGIC collaborates with the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), representing over 11,500 cities and local governments worldwide. WGIC also organizes and participates in various events, including recent ones like “Addressing Climate Change, Achieving Climate Resilience” at GeoGov and “Unlocking City Climate Action with Advanced Data and AI” at Climate Week New York City.
Panel of the Role of Spatial Technology for Ocean Business
October 12, 2023, 2:15 – 3:15 PM (CET), Stage 1 | Hall 1.2
Geospatial data, technologies, tools, and services have traditionally been essential components of terrestrial analyses. Yet, with over 70% of the Earth’s surface submerged in oceans, there is a growing trend of extending these methodologies to near-shore and oceanic regions. This panel discussion, featuring WGIC member companies, will explore a diverse array of geospatial technologies and their applications in near-shore, transitional, and deep-water environments.
Presenting the Winners of Trailblazer Awards and Discussing the DEI State in the Geospatial Sector
October 12, 2023, 3:15 – 4:15 PM (CET), Stage 1 | Hall 1.2
Join us for an engaging 45-minute panel discussion that explores the topic of “Leadership Diversity in the Geospatial Industry: Fostering Innovation and Inclusivity.” The panel, featuring industry leaders, academics, diversity advocates, and emerging voices, offers a comprehensive perspective on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the geospatial industry. This panel sets the stage for the upcoming DEI Trailblazer Awards ceremony, where WGIC will celebrate and recognize trailblazers who have made significant strides in promoting DEI in the geospatial field.
WGIC is committed to its ongoing efforts and advocacy for promoting DEI within the geospatial industry. In 2021, WGIC established the DEI Committee to spearhead foundational awareness and understanding of the advantages of a diverse workforce and the significance of equity and inclusion in creating improved workplaces within the geospatial industry. The committee’s mission includes designing and recommending DEI strategies and developing methods to monitor DEI progress. Albert Momo, representing Trimble, chairs the DEI Committee.
Since 2022, WGIC has been celebrating and honoring outstanding DEI leadership within the geospatial industry through its DEI Trailblazer Awards. This year’s awardees include Olive Powell, who received the DEI Individual Champion Award, and EVONA, who was acknowledged with the DEI Corporate Impact Award. Notably, at INTERGEO 2022 last year, WGIC presented the inaugural DEI Trailblazer – Corporate Impact Award to Esri India and the DEI Trailblazer – Individual Champion Award to Clinton Johnson of GIS NorthStar.
