Ottawa’s Geospatial Community Kicked Off the Season at Lowertown Brewery

On Tuesday, September 23, Ottawa’s geospatial community gathered at Lowertown Brewery for the GoGeomatics Back-to-School Social. This first chapter brought together students, graduates, and professionals from across GIS, BIM, CAD, and Geography for an evening of conversation, networking, and idea sharing.

The social lived up to its reputation as a welcoming space where newcomers and seasoned professionals could meet in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. With participants from government, academia, and the private sector, the diversity of perspectives sparked meaningful exchanges about the present and future of the industry.

What We Discussed

• GIS, CAD & BIM Intersections
  One of the most engaging conversations of the night revolved around the overlap between GIS, CAD, and BIM. While many see clear distinctions in their professional use, the group explored where the lines blur—particularly in urban planning, construction, and infrastructure projects. The consensus was that this is an area full of potential but still evolving in practice.

• The Future of LiDAR
  LiDAR technology continues to capture attention as a transformative tool. Attendees discussed how it is shaping asset management, digital twins, and environmental applications, with innovations promising even greater accuracy and efficiency in the near future.

• Looking Ahead: Calgary Expo in November
  Another key topic was the upcoming Calgary Expo in November, which is set to be one of the most important national gatherings for geospatial professionals this year. The Ottawa group shared enthusiasm for the event, highlighting it as a chance to showcase innovation and strengthen Canada’s position in the global geospatial community.

• Volunteering and Community Growth
  The evening also introduced new volunteers who are keen to support GoGeomatics’ mission of growing Canada’s geospatial network. Their contributions will help expand events, discussions, and opportunities in the months to come.

Why These Events Matter

What makes the GoGeomatics socials special is more than just professional networking. They are a space for ideas to surface organically where a student curious about BIM might meet a professional applying GIS in construction, or where discussions on LiDAR open doors to future collaborations.

A Note of Thanks

A heartfelt thank you to Jonathan Murphy, the founder of GoGeomatics, and Gogeomatics Chapter Leaders for keep these regular monthly meetups going through out September to the summer in different cities in Canada. These gatherings have become a cornerstone for building connections and advancing Canada’s geospatial sector.

Join the Next One

As always, the Ottawa GoGeomatics Social was free to attend and open to everyone with an interest in geomatics. The energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives shared at Lowertown Brewery are a reminder of the strength of Canada’s geospatial community.

Keep an eye out for the next event, because whether you’re just starting out or are deep into your geospatial career, there’s always something new to learn and someone new to meet.