DMV GIS Day 2024 – Celebrating Geospatial Excellence with a Special Proclamation from Mayor Bowser
As we count down to the inaugural DMV GIS Day on November 20, 2024, we are thrilled to announce that this event is not just about celebrating the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), but also recognizing the vital role GIS plays in transforming our communities. This year, DMV GIS Day has received a special proclamation from Mayor Muriel Bowser, honoring the event’s significance and acknowledging the profound impact of geospatial technologies on the Washington, D.C. , and the DMV region.
The proclamation highlights the invaluable contributions of GIS Technology & the Geospatial Community in building smarter cities, enhancing sustainability, and fostering economic growth across all eight wards of DC and beyond. As Mayor Bowser stated:
"We are proud to highlight the influence of GIS in building smarter cities, enhancing sustainability, and improving the quality of life for residents across all eight wards of DC.
Attend the DMVGISDay.com event to get a full read on Mayor Bowser’s Proclamation!
The DMV GIS Day is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our region’s geospatial community. It unites professionals, students, and enthusiasts to explore the latest trends, innovations, and applications of GIS technology. If you haven't registered yet, don’t miss out on this opportunity—head over to DMVGISDay.com to secure your spot!
Keynote Speakers and Featured Sessions
The event will feature a lineup of keynote speakers who are leaders in the geospatial field:
- Monica Sanders – Founder of The Undivide Project, focusing on disaster resilience and equity.
- Barney Krucoff – Former DC & MD Geographic Information Officer (GIO) and Chief Data Officer in the DMV area.
- David Clow – Chief Information Officer at the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C.
- Matt Sokol – Chief Data Officer for The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) in D.C.
These distinguished speakers will share their insights on using GIS to address critical challenges, drive innovation, and enhance public services.
Spotlight on Panel Discussions
A key aspect of DMV GIS Day will be its engaging panel discussions, designed to provide an in-depth exploration of topics critical to the future of geospatial technology.
Here’s a breakdown of the panels and the experts contributing to each session:
1. Geospatial in Action: Community Impact and Transformation
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Moderator: Ran Goldblatt, Chief Scientist at New Light Technologies
Focus: Highlighting transformative GIS projects that have made a significant impact on communities.
Panelists Include:
- Micah Brachman (Dewberry)
- Quentin Cummings (FEMA)
- Kendrick Faison (Spatial GIS)
- Brooke Hatcher (New Light Technologies)
- Pravin Mathur (URISA & VGIN Board)
- Monica Sanders (The Undivide Project)
This session will showcase how GIS is used to enhance disaster response, public safety, and equitable urban development.
2. History of Innovation in the DMV: The Geospatial Evolution
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Moderator: Ghermay Araya, Founder & CEO of New Light Technologies
Focus: Exploring the journey of GIS in the DMV, highlighting key innovations and collaborative efforts.
Panelists Include:
- Barney Krucoff (Former GIO of Maryland & DC)
- Robert Pitts (New Light Technologies)
- Julie Spangler (Straughan Environmental)
- Martha Wells (Spatial Focus LLC)
- Uwe Brandes (Georgetown University)
- Mario Field (Geospatial Technology Expert)
- Geoffrey Hatchard (New Light Technologies)
- Charlene Howard (MWCOG)
- Eva Reid (Dewberry)
This discussion will delve into how the DMV region has pioneered the use of GIS to enhance urban planning, sustainability, and public sector efficiency, among other topics.
3. Emerging GeoTech & Data: The Future of GIS Technology
Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Moderator: Bill Dollins, President of Cercana Systems
Focus: A forward-looking discussion on cutting-edge geospatial technologies and their applications.
Panelists Include:
- Glen Adams (New Light Technologies)
- Mike Bennett (ICEYE)
- Dave Cook (The Training Data Project)
- Mike Endale (BLEN Corp)
- Noah Goodman (Voyager Search)
- Aaron Kelley (UpSlope Advisors)
- Michael Macarilla (Esri)
- Brian Maddox (Digital Maddox LLC)
- Thomas Moran (INCATech)
- Kari Primiano (New Light Technologies)
- Dave Stepp (Verizon)
- Jing Wu (American Society of Consultant Pharmacists)
This session will highlight AI/ML, GeoAI, big data, and remote sensing innovations driving the next wave of GIS technology.
Engaging Keynotes and a Dynamic Closing Session
Throughout the day, attendees will have the chance to learn from our keynote speakers, culminating in an address by Matt Sokol, DC’s Chief Data Officer, on the importance of data strategies in shaping the future of geospatial technology. The event will wrap up with closing statements from leaders like Ghermay Araya, Bill Dollins, and Eddie Pickle, followed by a virtual social hour where participants can network, celebrate, and reflect on the day’s insights.
DMV GIS Day Proclamation: Honoring a Legacy of Innovation
The NLT Team is incredibly honored that Mayor Muriel Bowser has officially recognized DMV GIS Day through a special proclamation. This proclamation not only celebrates the technological advancements made in our region but also underscores the collaborative efforts of government agencies, businesses, and non-profits leveraging GIS to improve public services, drive sustainability, and foster economic growth:
"The District of Columbia recognizes the vital role GIS plays in fostering innovation, promoting data-driven decision-making, and enhancing public services across sectors like public safety, transportation, and healthcare.
We are honored and thankful for the support and commitment the DC government leadership is making to ensuring DC-based businesses like NLT successfully engage in critical technologies such as GIS in DC and the region, and across the country. Thank you, Mayor and her Executive Office of the Mayor Team, for the special recognition!
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community
A special thank you to all our partners, speakers, and the DMV geospatial community who are coming together to make this event a reality. Your dedication and enthusiasm have been instrumental in creating an event that truly celebrates the power of GIS to transform our region. We have the support and involvement of professionals from large and small organizations across the region in this event, representing geospatial communities in the DMV, the US, and the world.
Join Us on November 20th!
We can’t wait to see you at the Inaugural Edition of DMV GIS Day, where we will celebrate geospatial excellence, community engagement, and the future of GIS. This is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by the latest advancements in geospatial technology.
For more information, detailed speaker bios, and session details, visit DMVGISDay.com. Let’s come together to drive innovation and build a smarter, more sustainable DMV region.
See you on November 20th!
