2023 Geo-Resolution Conference Highlights Innovation in AI Technology, Leads Students to Pursue “the Field of the Future”
The Fourth Annual Geo-Resolution Conference, sponsored by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and Saint Louis University (SLU) was held on September 28th, 2023 at the Busch Student Center.
This year’s conference theme was “Navigating a World of Data from Seabed to Space” and emphasized the importance of collaborating between industries and alongside community leaders to accelerate knowledge and utilization of data collected by geospatial technologies to solve the various challenges from an individual being stuck in traffic to global climate change.
The conference gathered experts in the geospatial industry, students, and representatives from government and academia to discuss just that.
Rapid development of geospatial technologies has had a major impact on sectors ranging from military to economics. With investments made into the city of St. Louis by the Taylor Geospatial Institute solidifying it as the “geospatial capital of the world,” many are thinking about the future.
Several informative sessions were offered at this year’s Geo-Resolution conference opening with a moderated conversation that included SLU President Fred Postello, NGA Director Frank D. Whitworth, Taylor Geospatial Institute (TGI) Executive Director Nadine Alameh, and Jack Dangermond, president of GIS mapping software company, Esri.
This event was followed by four speaker panels including computer scientists, professionals from the NGA and CIA, recent graduates,new professionals in the geospatial arena, crop scientists, and representatives from major agricultural suppliers.
Keynote speakers Gilman Louie, Partner at Alsop Louie Partners and CEO of America's Frontier Fund, and Anne Hale Miglarese, nationally recognized geospatial data and technology expert and founder of Radiant Earth Foundation, took to the stage to discuss innovations within the geospatial technology field and what the future looks like with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
“There has never been a more exciting and innovative time,” said Miglarese.
Many of the conversations throughout the day centered on using AI in innovative ways such as: diagnosing cancer, protecting victims of trafficking, enhancing national security, and addressing food insecurity by mitigating the impact of climate change on food production and sustainability.
There was also a call from both speakers and panelists to learn more about the ethics of using AI technology and maintaining a human element in order to bring these technologies into the real world.
The conference emphasized student involvement in the field of geospatial technology and offered events such as a student mentoring lunch, student poster session, networking session, and a geospatial career fair. Posters presented included research done by students at SLU, Harris-Stowe University, and University of Missouri - Columbia, with a wide range of topics such as agriculture, immigration, climate change, and light pollution. Attending students were encouraged by professionals to get creative in thinking about the use of geospatial technology, and asked to lean on their diverse educational and personal backgrounds to promote innovation within the field.
Students looking to get involved were encouraged to commit to lifelong learning and be prepared to evolve throughout their career journeys.
Read more about the conference, watch a recording of the event, and learn more about the speakers and panelists here.
College for Public Health and Social Justice
The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice is the only academic unit of its kind, studying social, environmental and physical influences that together determine the health and well-being of people and communities. It also is the only accredited school or college of public health among nearly 250 Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States. Guided by a mission of social justice and focus on finding innovative and collaborative solutions for complex health problems, the college offers nationally recognized programs in public health and health administration.