Geospatial professionals are building infrastructure that shapes how societies function - but they often lack control over how their tools are used. This topic wrestles with power, responsibility, and the evolving role of the practitioner in guiding outcomes. This session explores the practical ethics of providing open access to powerful datasets and models, especially when they can be misused.

• What guardrails can prevent harmful use of open spatial data?

• Who decides what constitutes ethical use?

• How do we design systems that balance openness and restraint?

• What systems of trust and provenance are emerging?

• How can we prevent data manipulation without stifling access?

• How do we verify spatial data and models in an AI-powered world?

Natural language interfaces are changing how users access geospatial tools, potentially sidelining traditional GIS systems. This session looks at what’s lost and what’s gained when interfaces disappear.

• What does an AI-first geospatial workflow look like?

• Who gains access to geospatial capabilities when GUIs fade?

• What role remains for the GIS professional?

This fireside chat covers the evolving EO and geospatial landscape, touching on product applications, persistent gaps, and shifts in the professional ecosystem. It also examines emerging data needs, the implications of DOGE, and how recent headlines are shaping priorities and expectations across the sector.

As climate adaptation moves from policy to implementation, the need for credible measurement and continuous monitoring has never been greater. In this session, Louie explores insights from recent COP 30 reports on adaptation and adaptation finance, unpacking where Earth observation and geospatial technologies create value across the adaptation value chain. Drawing on his journalism with Climate Proof and consultations with practitioners includingTerraWatch and Maptycs, Louie connects global frameworks to real-world use cases. Attendees will gain a clearer view of how EO supports decision-making, accountability, and investment in climate adaptation efforts.

Opening remarks and intro to Geospatial Risk Summit Session lead by Priscilla Cole

Open Ocean, Open Data:  The Power of Open-Source for Coral Reef Monitoring

Coral reefs are at a tipping point, but what if data could accelerate action before it’s too late? Dr. Emily Darling, Director of Coral Reef Conservation at Wildlife Conservation Society and co-founder of MERMAID, is pioneering a future where critical reef health data flows seamlessly from scientists to communities and governments. 

In this fireside chat at NORTH51, Jonathan Neufeld will moderate a discussion to explore how MERMAID - a field-ready, online/offline data platform - is transforming the way we monitor and protect coral reefs worldwide. Join us to dive into the power of data-driven conservation and the urgent need to bridge science and action in a changing ocean.