The GeoFutures event was about how we see geospatial data visualization evolving over the next couple of decades and what we need to do in terms of data collection and systems design in order to make the most of the opportunities and challenges that present themselves.
The day was an interactive workshop with short vision statements, group discussions and a round up of views. We recorded all the contributions for the BCS YouTube channel and plan to complete a report to be published in the Cartographic Journal and online.
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Since the computing revolution of the 1980's and the introduction of the first GIS packages, mapping has fundamentally changed. Computing power, screen devices, data sharing, survey methods, geo analytics and cartographic tools that exist today could hardly have been dreamt of 40 years ago.
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So what will a map be like in 10 years, 20 years or even 30 years' time?​ We want your vision of the future and help to plan the routemap for getting there.
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The UK has a proud tradition of being a global leader in developing mapping and charting for our world. Join us for a one day 'brainstorming' event where we shall share ideas and consider the possibilities. No matter how much it might feel like science fiction, we know the speed of change will be enormous. Let's work together to keep the UK at the forefront of geospatial innovation.​
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All the individual talks and contributions from the GeoFutures event have been divided into seperate videos and are listed below.
Introduction to GeoFutures
1. Introducing GeoFutures - Seppe Cassettari
Seppe explains the concept of GeoFutures and revisits some of the extraordinary amount of change there hasd been during the coure of his career.
2. Welcome to the GeoFutures event - Paul Naylor
Paul welcomes everyone to the GeoFuturtes event
3. AGI Foresight Report - Richard Flemmings
Richard provides context to the GeoFututres event by introducing the AGI's Foresight Report
Vision talks from invited speakers
A number of people from across the broad geospatial community were invited to contribute a short vision talk on what the maps of the future might be like and how we might create and consume geospatial data. These are there contributions.
4. GeoFutures Vision - Steve Spittle, UK Space Catapult
5. GeoFutures Vision - Olive Powell, Office for National Statisitcs
6. GeoFutures Vision - Liz Fox-Tucker, Royal Geographical Society
7. GeoFutures Vision - Mark Wigley, Swiss Society of Cartography
8. GeoFutures Vision - James Kavanagh, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
9. GeoFutures Vision - Simon Musaeus, European Association of Aerial Survey Industries
10. GeoFutures Vision - Jo Kent, British Library
11. GeoFutures Vision - Irisi Rodenbuesch and Subaru Shimizu, GeoPlace
12. GeoFutures Vision - Sheikh Fakhar Khalid, SENSAT
13. GeoFutures Vision - Vikrant Karandikar - Indian geospatial entrepreneur
14. GeoFutures Vision - Alina Vizireanu, Milton Keynes Borough Council
15. GeoFutures Vision - Aaron Jarman, UK Hydrographic Office
Facilitators report back from the morning discussion groups
The audience was divided into small groups each with a facilitator and a theme or question for them to focus on, although they could take the discussion in any direction they wanted. After about 45 minutes the facilitators reported back.
16. Group Discussions AM - Group A - Nick Bolton, Ordnance Survey
17. Group Discussions AM - Group B - Vivien Godfrey, Stanfords
18. Group Discussions AM - Group C - Ed Parsons
19. Group Discussions AM - Group D - Richard Flemmings, AGI
20. Group Discussions AM - Group E - James Kavanagh, RICS
21. Group Discussions AM - Group F - Liz Fox-Tucker, RGS
22. Group Discussions AM - Group G - Olive Powell, ONS
23. Group Discussions AM - Group H - Simon Musaeus, EAASI
Facilitators report back from the afternoon discussion groups
The audience was divided into different small groups, again with a facilitator. Each group had to draw together the ideas and discussions so far and say what they believed were the key geospatial visualisation issues in the future and what might be some of the actions needed to tackle the challenges and make the most of the opportunities.
24. Group Discussions PM - Group A - Jo Kent, British Library
25. Group Discussions PM - Group B - Iris Rodenbuesch, GeoPlace
26. Group Discussions PM - Group C - David Wood, Government Geography Profession
27. Group Discussions PM - Group D - Liz Fox-Tucker, RGS
28. Group Discussions PM - Group E - Olive Powell, ONS
29. Group Discussions PM - Group F - Sheikh Fakhar Khalid, SENSAT
30. Group Discussions PM - Group G - Simon Musaeus, EAASI
31. Group Discussions PM - Group H - Steve Spittle, UK Space Catapult
Final thoughts from industry leaders
To complete the day we invited four industry leaders to pull together the ideas that have emerged and share their insights into the next steps for ensuring geovisualisation and the use of maps continues be effective, relevant and inclusive. (Note: Some of these vidoes have mixed sound quality as speakers moved away from the mics to engage with the audience. None-the-less they are worth listening to.)
32. Final Thoughts - Nick Bolton, Ordnance Survey
33. Final Thoughts - Richard Flemmings, AGI
34. Final Thoughts - Vivien Godfrey, Stanfords
35. Final Thoughts - Ed Parsons
Next Steps
As a follow-up from the GeoFutures event, the BCS intends to create a report on the key aspects of what came out from the various contributions. We intend that this will include an Action Plan for some key areas that the BCS and its partner organisations can take forward to help ensure the geovisualisation of the future makes the most of the opportunities and addresses the challenges.