Topics that will be covered:
- Goals of GIS: geospatial thinking through sharing & collaboration
- Technology trends changing GIS and the world (generative AI, augmented reality, edge computing)
- Example use cases of Generative AI (civic, emergency, decision making, etc.)
- Policy directions
- How to learn more about generative AI
Geographic thinking is fundamental to our understanding of the world. Over the last decade, governments and organizations worldwide have begun sharing their data, providing unprecedented access to information. This allows people to compare and analyze data across domains, administrative boundaries, time, and space.
However, while data can be accessed, it doesn't necessarily mean it's accessible. Using data and GIS tools can be complex—often requiring significant training or resources to answer important questions facing communities and individuals.
We're on the cusp of a technological shift comparable to the advent of personal computers, the internet, and mobile devices. This shift will radically change how people interact with data, one another, and our shared world. Wearables, augmented reality, and most recently, generative AI are enabling ubiquitous, integrated, and personalized interaction with geographic information.
In this talk, we'll explore the future trajectory of GIS and how these trends will reshape our work over the next decade. We'll also consider the intersections of technology, policy, and ethics in ensuring this future is equitable and accessible.
