We celebrate big ideas. This year, it felt like a collision of important ideas in a dramatic setting. But those important conversations are always worth having.
Geospatial enthusiasts and thought leaders gathered at the scenic Malcolm Hotel in Canmore, Alberta, for the NORTH51 Conference on April 24-26, 2024. From riveting keynotes to insightful panel discussions, the event was a deep dive into the world of geospatial technology and its intersection with climate action, innovation, and ethics with the industry’s most influential leaders. The program was facilitated by Bonny McClain and participants were encouraged to embrace storytelling and healthy tension. Here's a comprehensive summary of the key takeaways, peppered with some juicy tidbits from attendees.
Scientific Innovation and Climate Action
Brianna's keynote kicked off the conference with a bang, delving into the crucial link between scientific innovation and climate action. Attendees were inspired by her call for open-source science efforts and collaboration to combat climate change. Dr. Pagán's emphasis on transitioning from competition to collaboration struck a chord, sparking conversations about the importance of collective action in tackling global challenges.
Tech Expertise and Climate Solutions
One of the key themes of the conference was the role of geospatial technology in monitoring climate change impacts. From satellite transpiration monitoring to cloud-native architecture, participants explored the power of data in tackling climate challenges. As environmental activist Vandana Shiva famously said, 'data is the new oil.' This statement underscores the belief that data is a valuable resource that can drive significant change. The discussion on data ownership dynamics underscored the importance of responsible data sharing.
Collective Action and Funding Structures
During the conversations, the participants stressed the importance of having diverse funding structures and collective action to drive innovation in the geospatial sector. The call for diversity in funding and innovation strategies had a strong impact and resonated with many people. This highlighted the need for inclusive approaches in driving change. Attendees also emphasized the significance of having uncomfortable conversations and amplifying local voices in shaping climate solutions.
Rethinking Innovation and Ethics
The conference didn't shy away from questioning traditional notions of innovation and progress. Attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions on the ethical implications of tech evangelism and the importance of addressing systemic problems. The emphasis on ethical considerations in geospatial technology struck a chord, challenging attendees to rethink their approach to innovation.
“This year, though, I honestly felt something important happened. Perhaps it was something of a coming of age for the event, or perhaps it was the careful curation of the speakers, but we were able to find some of the deep schisms in our industry and explore them. I feel confident that I haven't seen this happen anywhere else in our industry.” - Will Cadell’s Recap Article
Earth Observation: Monitoring Our Planet
During the event, Earth observation (EO) was emphasized, and the potential of specialized satellite capabilities in understanding our planet was discussed extensively. The attendees were fascinated by the insights into methane detection systems and the crucial role of satellite data in addressing environmental challenges from keynote Dr. Steven Wofsy. There was an underlying importance on the infancy of the EO industry throughout the conference, and discussions around how to improve accessibility were among the most discussed topics.
"Dr. Steven Wofsy's groundbreaking work on methane detection using satellites showcased the complexity and significance of EO research." – Linda Stevens Recap Article
Insights on Market Evolution
During the conference and networking events, attendees frequently discussed the latest market developments and the significance of geospatial analytics in decision-making. They emphasized the importance of user-centric design and transparency in driving market evolution. Participants also stressed the necessity of collaborative approaches to tackle the complex challenges in the geospatial sector.
Fueling the Innovation Ecosystem
One topic covered was the importance of funding and investment in building large scale solutions to urgent problems. Investors, granting agencies, and VC backed companies shared their experiences in both providing and receiving investment. Discussions around the journey to build a company resonated as participants shared their startup stories, and which emerging trends they are focused on.
Funding and Investment
In a fireside chat (yes, beside an actual fire!), Bill Perkins shared his vision for opening up the world of EO including easy accessibility, use, and licensing. This wide ranging conversation focused on use cases from energy trading, maritime security, illegal fishing, and protection of economic interest zones.
Innovations in Site Monitoring
Discussions were held on innovative approaches to site monitoring leveraging AI and satellite data. Challenges, such as pricing models and ethical considerations, were explored, highlighting the need for outcome-based solutions. These discussions sparked ideas for actionable insights and ethical practices in geospatial technology. The vulnerability of GPS technology was also highlighted, showcasing the dangers of relying on outdated assumptions. New technologies are being introduced to mitigate such risks.
The Future of Mapping
The topic of mapping trends is a vast and diverse area that encompasses numerous technological advancements and methods. Experts covered a wide range of topics related to this field, from Augmented Reality (AR) to the complexities of raster/vector data. Many shared their perspectives and experiences, which helped to shed light on the emerging trends and technologies that are shaping the future of the industry. The importance of accurate and reliable data in mapping applications was highlighted, as it is essential for creating high-quality maps that can be used for a variety of purposes.
Consumer Geospatial Tech
In his closing keynote, Robin Thurston shared his insights on the development of consumer geospatial technology for outdoor adventures. The discussion mainly focused on the significance of designing with the user in mind while also ensuring that the technology promotes environmental sustainability. Attendees were given a glimpse into the future of geospatial technology and how it will impact outdoor recreation. During the session, many participants expressed their concerns regarding environmental and animal welfare when promoting adventure in wildlife.
Towards a Sustainable Future
The conference concluded with reflections on the path forward, emphasizing the need for innovation grounded in ethical considerations. Attendees were encouraged to collaborate across sectors and work towards a shared vision for the future of geospatial. The discussions underscored the immense potential of geospatial technology in addressing pressing global challenges.
In essence, NORTH51 was more than just a conference—it was a melting pot of ideas, sparking conversations and driving innovation in the geospatial sector. As we look towards the future, let's remember the lessons learned and continue working towards a more equitable and sustainable world using the power of geospatial technologies.
“We understand that the problems we are facing are larger than ourselves and our companies, and without all of us rowing, at least somewhat, in the same direction, these issues will continue. And in some cases, such as Climate, will just get worse.” Tee Barr, Recap Post
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