Plan Ahead: GeoIgnite (Virtual), July 2020

The inaugural GeoIgnite in 2019 was great success, and we are happy to help announce that GeoIgnite 2020 will be held as a virtual event, July 22nd-24th, 2020.

This new series of geospatial events is an opportunity for geomatics and geospatial professionals and practitioners to expand their horizons, showcase their geo-wares and services, hear from thought-leaders, and participate in this growing event. Originally planned as an in-person event in 2020, GeoIgnite has been relaunched as a virtual event.

This event will showcase Canadian geospatial community and leaders of Canada’s location technology sector. Join us for talks, live Q&A and panels.  GeoIgnite is a unique opportunity for geospatial community in Canada and abroad to learn, share and engage with one another at our virtual conference.

This year’s theme Leadership in Times of Disruption is bringing together government and industry for innovative programming and updates on our sector.

The feature keynote is by the Centre of Mapping and Earth Observation Director General, Eric Loubier.  The conference will feature talks from Natural Resources Canada, Agriculture Canada, Statistics Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The 2020 gold sponsor is Maxar, with silver sponsoring presenting partners Quantum Spatial Canada and Deploy Solutions. COVID-19 will not stop the Canadian Geospatial sector moving forward together!

GeoIgnite 2019 attendes

There are lot of great geo-events in North America, but mostly at the state/regional level. Or if they are national/international, mostly trade shows. GeoIgnite is a welcome addition; a mix of geo-subject matters, international geo-thought-leaders, classes, and exhibitors. While geographically Canadian-centric, the proceedings, exhibits, and networking can be fully appreciated by attendees/participants from anywhere in North America (or anywhere for that matter).

The following summary was provided by geographer, educator, author and good friend of xyHt, Peggy March (aka @RebelGeo on Twitter):


GeoIgnite’s 2020 conference is designed to provide to leaders and practitioners, both inside and outside the public sector, the opportunity to connect with and learn from each other, and to hear from leading edge experts who have successfully tackled disruption and change. The global digital disruption continues, and location technology is a foundational component of this change. This digital ecosystem demands interoperability to be effective and efficient.

Canada has many benchmarks to reach as our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs. One of Canada’s priorities has already been identified as geospatial readiness which will give us an advantage not only in the global community, but also in all communities across Canada, especially in relation to meeting global goals across the spectrum.

GeoIgnite 2019 networking

Another prime focus of GeoIgnite is public policy in preparing and planning for the future. GeoIgnite 2019 brought thought leaders from government, businesses, organizations, and universities together to inspire, network and share outside the usual areas of specialized interest in an all-inclusive approach around the underlying core theme: building sustainable communities. Conceptually, it is our intention to provide a presentation and exhibition space that facilitates a holistic interaction through the sharing of emerging ideas, trends, products to build a digital ecosystem that fulfills policy, strengthens research, and actively promotes the building of sustainable communities.


Consider attending, exhibiting, presenting, or teaching a geo-class. The event is organized by the same folks who publish GoGeomatics.ca, the popular geo e-zine and resource; a long-time geo-pal of xyHt sharing the same values and goals of promoting geo-professions.

Visit the updated website to register. Choose your unique sessions, user presentations, and networking opportunities to get the most out of your experience.

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