COGS – Panel Discussion “The Future of Canada’s Geomatics Sector”

GoGeomatics Canada is excited to return to COGS for our annual Back to School Meetup, bringing together students, educators, researchers from the Applied Geomatics Research Group, and professionals from across Nova Scotia’s geomatics community.

We’re proud to acknowledge the Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG) as our Nova Scotia sponsor for this event.

At 3:00 PM, we’ll host a timely panel discussion on “The Future of Canada’s Geomatics Sector,” examining how federal infrastructure investments, Canadian sovereignty in geomatics, and emerging geospatial technologies are reshaping the industry. This is at the auditorium at COGS in Lawrencetown.

Our expert panel includes:

• Jonathan Murphy, founder and managing director of GoGeomatics Canada, a connector and community leader in the geo-space who launched Canada’s largest geospatial network and GeoIgnite, the country’s flagship geospatial conference

• Ted Mackinnon, Senior Geomatics Technologist at Natural Resources Canada’s Surveyor General Branch in Atlantic Canada, with over 25 years of experience spanning GIS, LiDAR, remote sensing, surveying, and strong academic and professional certifications

• Dr. Tim Webster, research scientist at NSCC’s Applied Geomatics Research Group, renowned for pioneering LiDAR-based coastal, watershed, and climate resilience mapping, with over 30 years of experiential leadership and numerous awards in the region

This panel offers a unique opportunity for COGS students and early-career geomatics professionals to:

1. Connect academic learning with real-world applications—by hearing how geospatial technology supports critical national infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and sovereignty

2. Engage with leaders shaping Canada’s geospatial future—warming up their professional networks with prominent figures like Jonathan, Ted, and Tim

3. Gain actionable insights on the evolving career opportunities, certification paths, and interdisciplinary skills needed to thrive in today’s geo-economy

After the panel, please join us at The Capitol Pub in Middleton for a relaxed, off-campus networking and social session—perfect for making new connections, sharing ideas, and building camaraderie within Nova Scotia’s geomatics community.

Whether you’re launching your geomatics journey or enhancing your professional practice, this event will connect you with insights, inspiration, and valuable industry relationships. All are welcome — we look forward to seeing you there!