Leveraging Geospatial Data for Health and the Environment

We are excited to announce our upcoming event focused on the intersection of Health and the Environment using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The event will be sponsored by Esri Canada and will feature Sandy Watts, Public Health Industry Manager, Esri Canada as the keynote speaker for the day. This event brings together researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts from various disciplines to explore and discuss the significant role GIS plays in addressing health-related challenges posed by the environment. 

Event Details:

October 24, 2023

8:30 am - 3 pm

Registration and breakfast at 8:30am

Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre, 700 Hespeler Rd, Cambridge ON

There will be 7 presentations on a variety of topics and will  include time for questions and answers. Our speakers will share their knowledge, research findings, case studies, and real-world applications that demonstrate the power of GIS in tackling health and environmental issues.

Morning Sessions:

Making space for health: The essential role of the GIS analyst in public health preparedness

Speaker: Alexander Watts, PhD, Industry Manager - Public Health, Esri Canada

A Twenty Year Journey in using GIS in healthcare and Social Services

Speakers: Paul Beach, GISP Director of Geomatics and Data Services Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, Karen Lehtonen Acting manager of Health and Social Services Projects Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre

Burnout: Changing fire regimes and changing health threats for Indigenous Amazonia

Speaker: Hannah Flores, Undergraduate Student, University of Toronto

Supporting awareness of environmental racism in Canada using geospatial tools

Speakers: Carol McClellan, Digital Advisory, Software Development, Data & Geospatial Lead, and Raj Ubhi, GIS Analyst, Arup Canada

Afternoon Sessions:

Impacts to health equity from changes in Ontario, Canada’s regulation of alcohol, cannabis, and vaping product sales

Speaker: Shiran Zhong, Postdoctoral Associate, University of Western Ontario

Using GIS & Community Health Data to improve decision making

Speakers: Carey Price, SVP, Extended Channel, Environics Analytics and Joey Syer, Data Director, CANUE University of Toronto

Data to Web Tool: Building out national climate change & environmental online GIS tools

Speakers: Devin Tu, President, Affordable360 and Joey Joey Syer, Data Director, CANUE University of Toronto

Don't miss out on this chance to meet like-minded peeps, network, and share your knowledge. Together, we'll make this world healthier and greener with GIS!

The Locus Charter

In the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is more important than ever to consider the ethical and responsible use of Location Data.  BeSpatial Ontario is proud to be the first organization in Canada to officially endorse and support the Locus Charter, and we encourage our members to understand and implement its principles in their day-to-day activities.  To learn more about the Locus Charter, click here.

BeSpatial's President - Peter Hettstedt