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• BeSpatial’s Young Professionals Network presents GIS Open Source Software: Free isn't always bad!

  • When
    July 30, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual (Microsoft Teams)

  Register

  
  

  BeSpatial YPN presents

  GIS Open Source Software: Free isn't always bad!

  July 30th at 12:00pm

  Open-source software is characterized as software where the source code is made freely available for anyone to use, alter, and distribute. In the GIS world we have a few well known Open-source Software solutions but there are many more smaller products across the world that are overlooked and under-utilized.

  Everyone always seems to believe that free software is less quality, in GIS that isn't the case. In this Webinar we will to look at Open-source software and the specializations they offer for the geospatial world that can, in some cases, be better than paid products!

  Host: Katelyn Corrigal-Millins

  Note: AOLS recognizes BeSpatial events for CPD credits. Attend our event and be entered to win a gift card!
  

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• Open Source GIS Bootcamp: 2-Day In-Person Intensive | Hands-On | Career-Boosting Skills

  • Start
    August 13, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    August 14, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Ravine Room, TRCA Head Office, 5 Shoreham Drive, Toronto, ON
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  

  
  

  
  

  Open Source GIS Bootcamp
  Exclusively for BeSpatial Ontario Members
  2-Day In-Person Intensive | Hands-On | Career-Boosting Skills
  

  DateS: August 13th and 14th COST: 150.00 LOCATION: 5 shoreham drive, ravine room.

  Bootcamp Leader: Cliff Patterson, PhD. CEO, Luna Geospatial, Inc

  Cliff Patterson holds a PhD from the University of Otago’s National School of Surveying (2017) and has over 15 years of experience working with open source GIS. He specializes in spatial database development, remote sensing, and 2D/3D spatial data analysis using spatial SQL. He is an expert with QGIS, GDAL/OGR, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, Geoserver, and other open source GIS software. After working for Kettle Creek Conservation Authority for ~4 years, he transitioned to software development and then started Luna Geospatial in 2021. Since then, he has helped dozens of companies and organizations around the world migrate to open source GIS.
  

  Day 1: Foundations of Open Source GIS
  

  • Introduction to the QGIS interface and core functionality
  • Viewing, editing, and analyzing geospatial data in QGIS
  • Fundamentals of spatial databases with PostgreSQL and PostGIS
  • Writing and executing basic SQL and spatial SQL queries
  • Connecting QGIS to PostGIS for seamless data integration

  Participants will gain practical experience working with real-world data and learn how to build and manage a spatial database environment using open-source tools.

  Day 2: Publishing and Sharing Geospatial Data

  • Overview of the Geoserver interface and capabilities
  • Publishing raster and vector data using Geoserver
  • Introduction to LunaMap for web-based data visualization
  • Best practices for sharing geospatial data on the web
  • Integrating QGIS, PostGIS, and Geoserver into a cohesive workflow

  By the end of Day 2, participants will be able to publish and share geospatial content online, enabling collaboration and data accessibility across teams and organizations.

  Keep the Momentum Going!
  

  The learning doesn’t stop when the bootcamp ends. To support your continued growth and exploration, each participant will receive 30-day access to a cloud-based GIS server, fully pre-configured with all the software and tools used during the course. This extended access allows you to:

  • Reinforce what you’ve learned through hands-on practice
  • Explore additional features and workflows at your own pace
  • Apply your new skills to real-world projects
  • Continue your Open Source GIS journey with confidence

  Whether you're looking to solidify your understanding or take your skills to the next level, this post-course access ensures you have the resources to keep learning, experimenting, and building.

  Interested in offering a Webinar?  Contact Clifford for details.
  
  This BeSpatial Program is brought to you by our Volunteers, our Sponsors and Members Like You. Thank You.

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• From Data To Discovery: Turning Insights Into Action

  • When
    September 17, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Vale Cavern at Science North, 100 Ramsey Lake Road, Greater Sudbury, Ontario

  Register

  An In-Person BeSpatial North East Event at vale cavern!

  
  

  BeSpatial Ontario is thrilled to announce the upcoming GIS in-person event to be held at the Vale Cavern at Science North in Sudbury, Ontario!

  Join thought leaders, innovators, and curious minds for a transformative day where data powers discovery and science shapes our future. Nestled in the stunning backdrop of Science North’s Vale Cavern, this unique conference invites you to uncover insights, spark collaboration, and reimagine what's possible.

  Who should attend?

  Curious minds across sectors — from professionals to innovators and decision-makers — coming together to explore data and discovery as the foundation for smarter, more connected, and resilient communities.

  What to expect:

  • Inspiring keynote and presentations from leading voices in digital innovation
  • Real-world case studies highlighting successes and lessons learned
  • Practical frameworks to kickstart and sustain your data-driven journey
  • Cross-sector networking with professionals, innovators, and decision-makers
  • Exclusive perk: Enjoy a 50% discount on admission to Science North and Dynamic Earth around event date

  Please share this information with your colleagues who may not be aware of BeSpatial events. 

  Event Details:

  Wednesday, September 17, 2025

  8:00 am - 4:00 pm EDT 

  Vale Cavern at Science North, 100 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON

  Continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, coffee service and social networking is included.

  Non member registrants will receive a complimentary remaining 2025 BeSpatial membership!

  Your contribution and support play a crucial role in supporting this geospatial and information community event and ensuring its success.

  If you have questions, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs, please contact: Karen Lehtonen northeast@bespatialontario.ca

  If you require a hotel room, a block of rooms has been set aside September 16th and 17th at Travelway Inn Sudbury. To reserve a hotel room please call: (705) 522-1122 or toll free at 1-800-461-4883. Indicate you would like to book a room under the Group Block BeSpatial Ontario by August 16th.

  Agenda
  

  Continental Breakfast - 8:15 am to 8:45 am

  Keynote Speaker

  Morning Presentations

  Mapping the Northlander Corridor: A GIS-Driven Approach to Infrastructure Planning

  Ontario Northland Transportation Commission - Vincent Konadu

  This GIS-driven analysis of the Northlander corridor demonstrates how spatial data integration, scenario modeling, and geospatial visualization can optimize infrastructure alignment, mitigate environmental risks, and support data-informed decision-making across planning disciplines

  
  

  Ottawa Heat Map Analysis: Personal Preference Index of Preferrable Neighbourhoods For Families with Young Childrens

  Fanshawe College - Michael Gage

  A cartographer's guide to buying a home: A visualization of the places where people choose to live through personal preferences.

  
  

  Morning Networking - 10:25 am - 10:55 am

  Jakarto 

  
  

  
  

  Morning Presentations

  Lunch - 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm

  Afternoon Presentations

  Afternoon Networking Break - 2:35 pm - 3:05 pm

  Afternoon Panel Discussion/Lightning Round

  What Awaits You:

  Engaging Presentations: Esteemed speakers will share their collaborative GIS and data sharing stories and how these interactions have aided their business and career journey's, shaping their organizations and community's future in the process. Their valuable insights are sure to inspire you!

  Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow attendees who share your passion for GIS, and data analytics solutions. Build meaningful professional connections and foster collaboration.

  Interactive Q&A Sessions: Engage in lively and enriching Q&A discussions with our esteemed speakers. Pose questions and delve deeper into the GIS applications presented.

  Best Practices: Immerse yourself in learning best practices from others showcasing the latest GIS tools and technologies. Witness firsthand how GIS is revolutionizing business and government efforts.

  Join the Movement: Together, let us be a driving force behind positive change and the pursuit of a more collaborative, more sustainable world through the power of GIS. We envision this event as a catalyst for innovative solutions and lasting partnerships.

  Register Now, Share the Invitation: Mark your calendars and extend our invitation to your peers and colleagues. Your presence will undoubtedly enrich the event, and we hope to see you there!

  Benefits of being a BeSpatial member:

  Grow your Geospatial and Information Network

  Being part of the Ontario community connects you to other geospatial and information professionals across multiple sectors. Attending our events, workshops and webinars allows you to meet other users experiencing the same challenges that you face. It's an opportunity to build partnerships and share ideas.

  Receive the Latest News

  As a member of the community, you will receive our regular eNews email blasts, which will keep you up to date on the latest geospatial and information news, events, job postings and more that are happening in Ontario.  

  Earn Professional Credits

  Members earn credits towards professional designations such as the GISP by being members and attending or presenting at Ontario geospatial events.

  Member Discounts and Access to Library of Session Recordings

  Offers discounted member prices to all of our and services such as job postings, webinars and onsite events. Members also have access to past recordings from our webinars and our annual virtual event. 

  Sponsors

     

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• From Concept to Reality: Bridging Digital Twins for Smarter Communities

  • When
    October 01, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 300 Water Street, Peterborough, ON
  • Spaces left
    101

  Register

   Join us for a transformative day on October 1 in Peterborough!

  BeSpatial Ontario is thrilled to announce the upcoming GIS in-person event to be held at MNR (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources) offices in Peterborough, Ontario!

  Join us for a transformative day exploring the journey from vision to implementation in the world of digital twins. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your efforts, this event is designed to demystify the “why, what, and how” of digital twins – and highlight the real value they bring to municipalities, public infrastructure, environment and beyond.

  • When: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
  • Time: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm EDT
  • Where: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 300 Water Street, Peterborough

  Who should attend?

  Professionals, innovators, and decision-makers across sectors who are curious about digital twins and eager to build smarter, more connected and resilient communities.

  What to expect:

  • Insightful keynotes from leading voices in digital innovation
  • Real-world case studies and lessons learned
  • Practical frameworks for getting started and sustaining success
  • Networking across industries and sectors

  Spread the word!	Please share this information with your colleagues who may not be aware of BeSpatial events.
  Community Engagement	Non-member registrants will receive a complimentary BeSpatial membership for the remaining 2025.

  Continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, coffee service and social networking is included.

  Your contribution and support play a crucial role in supporting this geospatial and information community event and ensuring its success.

  If you have questions, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs, please contact: Phil Healey eastern@bespatialontario.ca

  Discount on rooms until August 31st and September 5th

  If attendees require a hotel room, a block of rooms has been set aside for September 30th and October 1st at the Holiday Inn ($169 +taxes and fees/night) and at the Best Western Ontonabee ($149.95 +taxes and fees/night). 

  Please reserve your room by August 31st with the Holiday Inn or by September 5th at the Best Western. To receive the preferred conference rate, please call the hotel directly and mention the booking code: Be Spatial. 

  

  Agenda

  Morning Presentations

  8:00 - 8:30 am | Registration & Networking

  Welcome, coffee/breakfast, and informal networking

  8:30 - 8:45 am | Opening Remarks (BeSpatial Ontario, Geospatial Ontario) and Land Acknowledgement) including an overview from MNR on the Ontario Geospatial Hub

   8:45 - 9:15 am | Framing the Day: Digital Twins & Provincial Infrastructure Priorities

  Speaker: Mark Fox, Professor of Urban Systems Engineering, University of Toronto reveals how digital twins - integrating BIM, IoT, and AI bring design concepts to life.  He demonstrates how Global Cities ISO 21972 and 5870 empower urban centers, small towns, and remote communities to validate designs, optimize resources, and deliver sustainable projects.

   9:15 - 9:45 am | BIM Requirements for Residential Housing in Ontario

  Speaker: buildingsmart Canada will discuss how BIM requirements are relevant for residential housing projects.

  9:45 - 10:15 am | OGC and ISP 19650

  Speaker: Ontario Geospatial Consortium/Geospatial Ontario (GEO)) will discuss how the OGC and ISO 19650 play vital roles in the world of interoperability and integration between geospatial data and BIM workflows.

  10:15 -10:45 am | Coffee Break & Networking

  10:45 -11:15 am | Concept to Reality - Part 1

  Topic: The Future is Open: Democratizing Digital Twin Technology
  Speakers: Nicolas Arellano and Lara Chow Carleton Digital Twin Campus, openBIM

  11:15 -12:00 noon | Concept to Reality - Part 2

  Topic: Remote sensing, AI Classification of Public Infrastructure for Digital Twins
  Speaker: Michael Martin, co-Founder | Twinworks

  12:00 - 1:00 pm | Lunch & Networking

  Afternoon Presentations

  1:00 - 1:30 pm | Best Practices & Use Cases

  Speaker: Aradh Shahi, CEO | LandLogic AI and Zoning Bylaw Summaries

  1:30 - 2:00 pm | City of Toronto (case study transportation and housing and/or Toronto water distribution system)

  Speaker: Megan Katumi, Research Associate, University of Toronto

  2:00 - 2:30 pm | TBD

  Speaker: TBD 

  2:30 -3:00 pm | Coffee Break & Networking

  3:00 - 3:15 pm | Eglinton Crosstown West Extension
  

  Speaker: Carol McClelland, Arup 

  3:15 - 3:30 pm | Future Challenges and Opportunities

  Topic: BeSpatial YPN-Young Profession Network and GO Open Data (GOOD) Design Challengers

  Speakers: Jonathan Brown, GOOD and Jessica Hobbins, BeSpatial YPN 

  3:30 - 4:00 pm | Thought leaders discuss future challenges and opportunities

  4:00 - 4:15 pm | Call to Action GIS Week and National Housing Day

  4:15 - 4:20 pm | GIS Week and National Housing Day Reskilling Challenge Pitch

  Speaker: Jonathan Brown, GOOD
  

  4:20 - 4:30 pm | Closing Remarks

  
  

  Social Networking Hour to follow

  What Awaits You:

  Engaging Presentations: Esteemed speakers will share their collaborative GIS and data sharing stories and how these interactions have aided their business and career journey's, shaping their organizations and community's future in the process. Their valuable insights are sure to inspire you!

  Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow attendees who share your passion for GIS, and data analytics solutions. Build meaningful professional connections and foster collaboration.

  Interactive Q&A Sessions: Engage in lively and enriching Q&A discussions with our esteemed speakers. Pose questions and delve deeper into the GIS applications presented.

  Best Practices: Immerse yourself in learning best practices from others showcasing the latest GIS tools and technologies. Witness firsthand how GIS is revolutionizing business and government efforts.

  Join the Movement: Together, let us be a driving force behind positive change and the pursuit of a more collaborative, more sustainable world through the power of GIS. We envision this event as a catalyst for innovative solutions and lasting partnerships.

  Register Now, Share the Invitation: Mark your calendars and extend our invitation to your peers and colleagues. Your presence will undoubtedly enrich the event, and we hope to see you there!

  Benefits of being a BeSpatial member:

  Grow your Geospatial and Information Network

  Being part of the Ontario community connects you to other geospatial and information professionals across multiple sectors. Attending our events, workshops and webinars allows you to meet other users experiencing the same challenges that you face. It's an opportunity to build partnerships and share ideas.

  Receive the Latest News

  As a member of the community, you will receive our regular eNews email blasts, which will keep you up to date on the latest geospatial and information news, events, job postings and more that are happening in Ontario.  

  Earn Professional Credits

  Members earn credits towards professional designations such as the GISP by being members and attending or presenting at Ontario geospatial events.

  Member Discounts and Access to Library of Session Recordings

  Offers discounted member prices to all of our and services such as job postings, webinars and onsite events. Members also have access to past recordings from our webinars and our annual virtual event. 

  Sponsors

     

  
  

  Show details
• futurenew

  • When
    October 21, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Bridgeworks (200 Caroline St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 0A6)

  Register

  

  When: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

  Time: 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM

  Where: Bridgeworks (200 Caroline St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 0A6)

  
  

  About This Event

  Welcome to futurenew
  
  The future of innovation in geospatial.
  
  This isn’t just a conference; it’s a movement to reimagine what’s possible when visionaries, creators, and technologists converge to tackle humanity’s greatest challenges. At the intersection of artificial intelligence, geospatial innovation, and sustainable progress, futurenew is where the boldest ideas take centre stage.
  
  

  Built around Esri's powerful technology stack, futurenew showcases how organizations and technology leaders are leading the charge, using data-driven solutions to break boundaries, redefine industries, and accelerate a smarter, more connected future.

  https://futurenew.canopymapping.co/events/futurenew
  

  What to Expect

  Keynote Presentations:
  Hear from the pioneers shaping tomorrow with game-changing innovations in:
  
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: See how AI is creating predictive models for cities, businesses, and the planet, turning data into foresight.
  
  • Autonomous Systems and Robotics: Explore how GIS integrates with autonomous technologies for transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure monitoring.
  
  • Next-Gen Digital Twins: Experience the power of immersive, real-time digital replicas that transform decision-making at every level.
  
  Expert Panels & Discussions:
  Dive deep into the challenges and opportunities defining our era:
  
  • The Geospatial Internet of Things (GeoIoT): Connecting everything, everywhere—how sensors, devices, and GIS create a live feed of the world’s heartbeat.
  
  • Sustainability Through Innovation: Combatting climate change with location intelligence, renewable energy mapping, and environmental monitoring.
  
  • Smart Cities, Smart Regions: The future of urban and regional planning powered by automation, equity-first strategies, and 3D geodesign.
  
  • Resiliency and Disaster Response: Building adaptive systems to respond to global crises—from wildfires and hurricanes to cybersecurity threats.
  
  Interactive Demos and Case Studies:
  Experience hands-on demonstrations of groundbreaking projects and see how Esri-powered solutions are used to:
  
  • Map carbon footprints and identify high-impact areas for decarbonization.
  • Monitor critical infrastructure and assess risk dynamically.
  • Plan sustainable housing that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship.
  • Improve connectivity and equity in rural and underserved areas.
  
  Workshops and Training:
  Gain exclusive access to workshops led by experts, where you’ll learn to:
  
  • Build AI-ready GIS workflows for advanced analytics.
  • Harness the power of spatial data science to uncover new patterns and insights.
  • Create actionable dashboards for real-time decision-making.
  • Develop apps that integrate seamlessly with Esri platforms, driving impactful user experiences.
  
  Vision for the Future:
  At futurenew, we don’t just imagine what’s next—we build it. This conference pushes the boundaries of geospatial innovation, exploring the fusion of technology and humanity to create lasting change. Be part of conversations that challenge norms, disrupt industries, and ignite collaboration for a brighter tomorrow.
  
  Why Attend?
  Whether you're a policymaker, technologist, sustainability advocate, or business leader, futurenew will inspire and equip you to lead innovation in your field. You’ll leave with actionable insights, transformative ideas, and connections to a global network of changemakers ready to push the limits of what’s possible.
  
  Join us at futurenew—where the future begins, and innovation knows no bounds.

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