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Jason Petho

GIS Specialist
Kitselas First Nation

Sessions in which Jason Petho attends

Tuesday 13 May, 2025

Time Zone: (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
8:00 AM
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM | 10 hours 30 minutes

GeoIgnite is once again hosting the popular Map and Poster Gallery program, and we are inviting submissions from across Canada! Whether you’re a cartographer, part of an educational institution, a government department, or a student, we encourage you to share your high-quality maps and posters.The initiative is in partnership with the Canadian Cartographic Association (CCA).

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM | 50 minutes

Mini Continental BreakfastGeoIgnite is delighted to offer a selection of chilled fruit juices, freshly baked croissants, muffins, and breakfast pastries, served with butter and preserves. Guests can also enjoy fruit cocktails and yogurt. Available beverages include coffee, tea, and decaffeinated coffee.

9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | 30 minutes
Plenary

For decades, Canada’s geospatial ecosystem has thrived on deep integration with the U.S., benefiting from shared technology, markets, and collaboration. But today, shifting geopolitical and economic realities—trade conflicts, supply chain vulnerabilities, and data sovereignty concerns—are forcing us to rethink this reliance. The question is no longer whether we should adapt, but how.

Jonathan Murphy

Keynote speaker
9:30 AM
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | 30 minutes
Plenary

Dr. Nadine Alameh, the inaugural Executive Director of the Taylor Geospatial Institute, has been leading an ambitious effort to accelerate geospatial research for tackling today’s biggest challenges—climate, disasters, health, and national security. In this session, she will reflect on what it takes to build a truly impactful geospatial ecosystem, challenge assumptions about the roles of national mapping agencies, academia, and nonprofi...

Nadine Alameh

Keynote speaker
10:00 AM
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM | 45 minutes
10:45 AM
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM | 30 minutes
Plenary

The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) is Canada's agency for charting Canadian waters. Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world, with more than a third of its territory under water.  As a maritime nation, global maritime transport traffic is significant. Hydrography supports safe navigation and shipping through the production of nautical charts and other publications including water levels. With opportunities provided by emerging technologies and the move to e-navig...

Manon Larocque

Keynote speaker
11:15 AM
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM | 30 minutes
PlenaryBIM: Empowering the Digital Workforce

In 2006, British mathematician Clive Humby declared that data was the new oil.  Soon after there was a significant rush around the world to embrace a data revolution to try and improve humanity’s social, economic and environmental well being.  Twenty-years later, the hard work of data continues.  Like Canadian oil and gas, it is for the most part – a landlocked asset; unable to push us to the next levels of productivity and innovation.    This keynote looks at ...

Prashant Shukle

Keynote speaker
11:45 AM
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM | 30 minutes
Plenary

Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we interpret and act on information—but what does that mean for the geospatial world? As AI models generate synthetic maps, infer locations, and automate analysis, geospatial professionals face a critical moment: will we shape the future, or be shaped by it?In this session, the CEO of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) will explore the complex relationship between AI and geospatial systems—from the risks of black-box models and data halluci...

Peter Rabley

Keynote speaker
12:15 PM
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM | 30 minutes
Plenary

Top technical performers are often promoted into leadership roles, yet many struggle. In AI-driven, data-intensive industries, expertise alone is not enough—leaders must also navigate complexity, inspire teams, and drive execution. Without these skills, organizations face decision paralysis, disengaged teams, and stalled innovation.Senior leaders know that competency is crucial—technical excellence is the foundation of succes...

12:30 PM
12:30 PM - 4:00 PM | 3 hours 30 minutes
Networking EventBIM: Empowering the Digital Workforce

GET YOUR TICKETSMORE PURCHASING OPTIONSPCL-EllisDon use the latest technology available to streamline processes, provide the project teams with accurate data ...

12:45 PM
12:45 PM - 2:00 PM | 1 hour 15 minutes

Enjoy a satisfying lunch inspired by classic Italian flavors. Begin with artisanal garlic focaccia and a classic Caesar salad with creamy dressing, croutons, and bacon bits. A medley of olives and marinated mushrooms adds a savory touch.For the main course, enjoy chicken scallopini glazed with a lemon caper sauce, served alongside potato gnocchi in a tomato and basil sa...

2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM | 30 minutes
Plenary

At GeoIgnite 2025, Alexander will explore how Canada's geospatial community is uniquely positioned to lead in developing solutions to environmental challenges in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Drawing on compelling case studies from around the globe, including successful Dutch-Canadian collaborations, he will demonstrate how geospatial technologies are becoming indispensable tools for environmental monitoring, climate resilience planning, and sustainable...

Alexander Verbeek

Keynote speaker
2:30 PM
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | 30 minutes
Plenary

Keith J. Masback is one of the most respected voices in the field of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), with over three decades of leadership spanning the U.S. government, military, and private sector. His deep expertise in remote sensing, intelligence, and national security has positioned him at the forefront of how geospatial data is used for strategic decision-making.As the former CEO of the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) and a senior leader at the National ...

Keith J. Masback

Keynote speaker
3:00 PM
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | 30 minutes
PlenaryNRCan

A seasoned leader in geomatics and Earth Observation with two decades of experience in the federal government, Eric Loubier has vast expertise in developing and implementing national geomatics and Earth observation strategies. In his talk, Eric will explore the integration of AI with Earth observation, and how this powerful combination is transforming Canada’s approach to addressing critical national issues like climate change, natural resource management, urban planning, and disaster response.

Éric Loubier

Keynote speaker
4:30 PM
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM | 1 hour 30 minutes
Networking Event

Wednesday 14 May, 2025

Time Zone: (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
8:00 AM
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | 1 hour

Mini Continental BreakfastGeoIgnite is delighted to offer a selection of chilled fruit juices, freshly baked croissants, muffins, and breakfast pastries, served with butter and preserves. Guests can also enjoy fruit cocktails and yogurt. Available beverages include coffee, tea, and decaffeinated coffee.

9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM | 20 minutes
BIM: Empowering the Digital Workforce

As the built asset industry embraces digital transformation, the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Digital Twin technologies is redefining how we manage the built environment. While BIM facilitates data-rich 3D modeling during design and construction, Digital Twins extend this functionality into operations, enabling real-time insights and lifecycle optimization.Attendees will gain insights into buildingSMART Canada’s initiatives supporting this integration, its ali...

John Hale

Keynote speaker
9:30 AM
9:30 AM - 9:50 AM | 20 minutes
Hydrospatial = Hydrography++NRCan

Presenting the CHN and highlighting how its new features leverage advancements in hydrography to improve both water-related models and their applications to support decision making. The Canadian Hydrospatial Network (CHN) was officially launched this past May, marking a significant milestone in the development of hydrospatial networks in Canada. Over the past year, the network has expanded and grown in importance, positioning itself as a key resource for the future of its field. CHN continues...

9:50 AM
9:50 AM - 10:10 AM | 20 minutes
Hydrospatial = Hydrography++

Under the FHIMP, Natural Resources Canada, supported by Public Safety and Environment and Climate Change Canada, collaborates with provinces and territories to create, and disseminate engineering-level flood hazard maps and information. In this presentation, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) will provide an update on the ongoing work under FHIMP with results of the first stage of the FHIMP (2021-24) and the kickoff of the FHIMP expansion (2023-2028) which will see investments in every jurisdic...

10:00 AM
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | 30 minutes
BIM: Empowering the Digital Workforce

The presentation focuses on the challenges of applying ISO 19650 to National Defence and Defence Construction Canada, examining the current status and progress, as well as the obstacles still faced. It highlights the key challenges of becoming a knowledgeable owner while aligning National Defence practices with ISO19650, with support from other stakeholders and partners through research, innovation, and collaboration. The importance of OpenBIM in this context is emphasized, as it plays a crit...

10:30 AM
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM | 45 minutes
Hydrospatial = Hydrography++BIM: Empowering the Digital WorkforceGEOINTAdvancements in Earth Observation
11:15 AM
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | 1 hour
BIM: Empowering the Digital Workforce

Spatial data and related technologies have long powered the disciplines of geomatics (and its many names likes geospatial, hydrospatial) and buiilding information management.  These disciplines have enabled people to better understand the natural world, the built infrastructure we place upon it, and, increasingly, the relationships between the two.  The various goods and services provided by these different "spatial" communities has been global in nature and have provided eco...

12:45 PM
12:45 PM - 2:00 PM | 1 hour 15 minutes
Hydrospatial = Hydrography++GEOINTAdvancements in Earth ObservationBIM: Empowering the Digital Workforce

Enjoy a fresh and satisfying lunch featuring a house blend of baby spinach, kale, and mesclun greens with feta cheese, pumpkin, chia, and poppy seeds, dried cranberries, and golden raisins. A tomato and cucumber salad with lime and avocado dressing adds a refreshing touch, alongside a medley of mixed greens with assorted dressings.For the main course, savor freshly roas...

2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM | 30 minutes
GEOINT

SIKU: THE INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE APP supports Indigenous self-determination and environmental stewardship through geospatial tools, products and services that enable individuals, communities and organizations to collect, process, analyze and use data. SIKU is created by The Arctic Eider Society, an Indigenous-led charity, and is designed to be accessible: it is available in multiple Indigenous languages, uses icons and a user-friendly design, and works offline and in low-bandwidth regions. SIKU...

2:30 PM
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | 30 minutes
Advancements in Earth Observation

Foundation models represent a transformative shift in the utilization of EO data, historically limited by data complexity, and the manual preparation and analysis required to employ the data. By using foundation models with forthcoming AI-ready EO datasets, users will be able to efficiently develop solutions for diverse sustainability applications without extensive labeling efforts. This approach greatly expands the practical value and accessibility of EO data, driving innovations across envi...

3:00 PM
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | 30 minutes
Advancements in Earth Observation

The Open Building Population Layer for Canada has emerged as a transformative resource in the geospatial community, providing unprecedented access to population estimates at the building level across the country. Since its release, the dataset has garnered significant attention, reaching 8,000+ professionals on LinkedIn, and achieving thousands of downloads. This enthusiastic reception underscores its value for applications in urban planning, disaster management, and environmental assessments...

3:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | 30 minutes

Join us as we wrap up another incredible edition of GeoIgnite with a celebration on the tradeshow floor. We’ll raise a glass of champagne and come together for a group photo of all our amazing participants, partners, and friends.This final moment is our way of saying thank you to everyone who helped make GeoIgnite a success — from speakers and sponsors to delegates and volunteers. Let’s end on a high note and capture the spirit of Canada’s national geospatial leadership event, together.