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 economic, environmental and social benefit across the globe.  These spatial or data disciplines have grown and become embedded in such traditional and emerging areas that include but are not limited to:  architecture, earth observation, climate and change monitoring, engineering, construction, oil and gas, mobility and  transportation and infrastructure, to name just a few.  

2025 has seen dramatic shifts.  New trading and tariff instruments are being considered; national security and defence concerns have come to the fore; and the technology, data and information's rise continues with guardrails that are being dismantled before they are even put up.  

This session is intended as an interactive conversation to begin the hard work that will be required for the Canadian spatial community to find its voice in upcoming national action plans to respond to a new world order.