Sessions Description

Monday, September 8, 2025 Pre-Conference Sessions

Centering Community Voices: Identifying Needs that Matter

Led by key thought leaders in the field, this session will bring together leaders from federal, state, local, and tribal government to discuss critical needs in geospatial data, tools, and infrastructure. Participants will explore strategies to improve the utility and usability of geospatial data across all levels of government, highlight the need for simplified, accessible tools for decision-makers, address common data-sharing challenges during emergencies, and consider innovative, non-traditional GIS data collection methods to strengthen local capacity and responsiveness.

Advancing the NSDI: Overcoming Barriers to Data Aggregation, Integration, and Access

Geospatial data aggregation from local to national levels remains fragmented and labor- intensive. This session will bring together data stewards, GIOs, technologists, and other stakeholders from government, academia, and industry to discuss strategies for streamlining and automating data integration processes.

Collaborating Across Sectors: Building a Whole-of-Nation Approach

Transitioning to a "whole of nation" governance structure is a cornerstone recommendation of the GeoGov Summit and the 2025–2035 NSDI Strategic Plan. This session will provide updates on NSDI Governance Pilots, include a working session for the Pilot Committee, and explore opportunities to develop more inclusive data governance models that reflect the diversity of users and contributors across the geospatial community.

Operationalizing the NSDI: Turning Strategy Into Impact

This session will explore approaches for creating sector-specific implementation plans aligned with the 2025–2035 NSDI Strategic Plan. Discussions will cover the roles of public, private, non- profit, academic, research, and philanthropic organizations in addressing national geospatial goals.

Bridging the Funding Gap: Collaborative Models for Geospatial Education and Research

As traditional funding streams for academic and research institutions diminish, partnerships offer a critical path forward. This session will explore collaborative opportunities among and between learning institutions and research organizations to continue advancing geospatial education and discovery.

Telling the NSDI Story: Communicating Impact and ROI

How do we effectively communicate the purpose and value of the NSDI? This session will feature case studies of impactful community implementations, explore strategies to simplify messaging, and discuss ways to make the NSDI story resonate across decision-makers and policymakers.

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Plenary Sessions

Plenary Session 1: The Role of Spatial Intelligence in National Progress

This opening session will discuss how changing national and global policies heighten the importance of geospatial infrastructure. Panelists will explore how deeper geospatial integration across technology and government workflows is vital to innovation, public sector strength, and economic development.

Fireside Chat: Perspectives on the Geospatial Data Act and NSDI

Policymakers will share their perspectives on the vital role geospatial infrastructure plays in driving economic growth, enhancing governance, supporting emergency response, and advancing equitable service delivery. The Geospatial Data Act of 2018 will be highlighted as a foundational policy enabling progress in these areas and reinforcing the importance of a coordinated National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).

Plenary Session 2: The Value of the Geospatial Ecosystem in Action

Leaders from across the public and private sectors will discuss real-world examples demonstrating how geospatial data supports public safety, economic growth, and disaster response, including case studies like Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and the California wildfires.

Plenary 3: Aligning Purpose, Driving Resilience: The Power of Public-Private-Philanthropic Partnerships

This session will focus on emerging partnerships leveraging advanced technologies such as global fire detection to promote community resilience by establishing a "systems of systems" approach for detection and response.

Plenary 4: Navigating the Changing Public–Private Sector Geospatial Landscape

Amid heightened attention to government efficiency and the rollout of the new NSDI Strategic Plan, this session will bring thought together leaders to discuss key priorities, emerging responsibilities, and necessary investments to strengthen the geospatial ecosystem.

Plenary 5: Advancing the Future: Integrating Emerging Technologies and New Talent

Young professionals from diverse sectors will share insights on integrating new technologies poised to improve government productivity and efficiency. Discussion will include emphasis on the critical skills needed for future geospatial workforce development, emphasizing the role of geospatial infrastructure within the national digital landscape

Closing Plenary: Prioritizing Critically Needed Actions in a Time of Change

Building on the summit’s discussions, cross-sector leaders will outline immediate and emerging priorities to advance the geospatial ecosystem, reflecting shifts in national policies, evolving economic conditions, and implementation challenges.

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Deep Dive Sessions

Anticipating and Mitigating Risk Through Geospatial Insight

This session will focus on how geospatial data underpins risk assessment frameworks, helping communities reduce physical, financial, and operational risks across public safety, urban development, and transportation.

Enhancing Community Services Through Geospatial Utility Innovation

Participants will explore how geospatial tools and partnerships are improving energy, water, telecommunications, and infrastructure mapping services, with a focus on innovations in infrastructure, energy, and telecommunications.

Real-World Applications: Geospatial Case Studies in Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Response

Leaders will share real-world applications of geospatial information, AI, and infrastructure in emergency preparedness, disaster mitigation, response, and recovery efforts.

Beyond the Blueprint – Digital Twins in Practice

Highlighting real-world applications, this session will show how digital twins are revolutionizing planning, permitting, logistics, public safety, and operations.

Harnessing GeoAI and Spatial Computing

This session will feature innovative use cases of GeoAI and spatial computing to meet community needs, offering insights into cutting-edge technological applications.

Automating the Field: Robotics Powered by Geospatial Intelligence

This session explores how robotics infused with geospatial intelligence are reshaping transportation, infrastructure, and public safety—automating complex tasks and enhancing decision-making in the field.

Unlocking ROI: Advancing the NSDI and Strengthening the Geospatial Marketplace

Presentations will illustrate the return on investment (ROI) when commercial entities and government agencies build upon the NSDI, demonstrating the tangible benefits of robust geospatial data systems.

Getting Data Right: Commercial Licensing and Sharing Strategies

This discussion will help participants navigate data licensing complexities, focus on creating derivative products, and explore the potential for a common community template for rapid public-private data sharing during emergencies.