Exploring the Future of Hydrospatial Technologies at GeoIgnite 2025

Hydrospatial technologies are increasingly becoming critical in addressing some of the most pressing environmental and safety challenges. From managing flood risks and monitoring coastal areas to improving maritime navigation and supporting climate resilience, hydrospatial data and technologies play a pivotal role in shaping the way we understand and interact with water resources. With climate change causing rising sea levels and extreme weather events, the demand for precise, up-to-date hydrospatial data has never been higher.

At GeoIgnite 2025, a special track, Hydrospatial = Hydrography++: Exploring Innovations in Hydrography for the Blue Economy and Beyond, will explore how innovative technologies and collaborations are driving advancements in this field, enabling better decision-making and fostering sustainability in Canada’s geospatial landscape. GeoIgnite 2025 is taking place on May 12-14, 2025, at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.

The discussions will focus on the latest advancements in hydrospatial technologies, including satellite-derived bathymetry, autonomous survey vessels, and more. These topics will highlight how hydrospatial data is revolutionizing water management, enhancing navigation safety, supporting environmental monitoring, and improving resource management both in Canada and globally.

Keynote: CHS – Dynamic Products and Services in a Digital World

May 13, 9:30 AM

Canada’s vast coastline requires dynamic hydrography to support maritime safety and shipping. In this plenary keynote, Manon Larocque, Director General, Hydrographer General of Canada, Canadian Hydrographic Service will provide an overview of the work underway at the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) as it embraces emerging technologies for e-navigation, autonomous shipping, and digital hydrography. This session will highlight the future of hydrographic services in Canada.

Keynote: What is Hydrospatial, So What & Then What!

May 14, 9:00 AM

This keynote by Denis Hains, Founder, President, and CEO of H2i, and a recognized as a leader in hydrography and hydrospatial sciences, will explore the importance of hydrospatial technologies in the global geospatial ecosystem. Denis, who also earlier served as the Hydrographer General of Canada and Director General of the Canadian Hydrographic Service, will dive into why it’s critical to measure, monitor, and model water-related data, and outline the strategic challenges, people, and actions required to leverage hydrospatial data effectively to meet growing global demands.

The New Canadian Hydrospatial Network (CHN) – Advancements in Hydrography for Improved Modelling

May 14, 9:30 AM

The talk will focus on the newly launched Canadian Hydrospatial Network (CHN) and its role in advancing water-related models and improving decision-making. The CHN leverages collaborative partnerships with governments, academic institutions, and international organizations to support Canada’s geospatial resilience and sustainability goals.

Advancing the Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP): Program Update

May 14, 9:50 AM

This session will provide updates on the FHIMP, showcasing efforts in flood hazard mapping and the development of engineering-level flood hazard maps to aid decision-making and land-use planning, with a focus on community resilience and climate change adaptation.

Cutting-edge Navigation Geospatial Services: International Trials in Canada

May 14, 10:10 AM

The session will examine Canada’s involvement in international S-100 sea trials, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing global maritime safety and the effective use of geospatial data in route monitoring and navigation systems.

Satellite Derived Bathymetry: A Hydrospatial Intelligence Tool for Reconnaissance Remote and Uncharted Regions

May 14, 11:15 AM

Explore the use of satellite-derived bathymetry in revealing uncharted subsea features and shoals, particularly in Arctic coastal waters. This innovative approach offers significant advantages in remote water mapping and enhances geospatial intelligence for marine safety.

Riverine Mapping Applications Using Airborne Thermal Infrared Imagery

May 14, 11:35 AM

This presentation will highlight how thermal infrared imagery is used for monitoring river health and supporting river restoration projects, focusing on the impacts of warming waters on salmonid-bearing rivers in North America.

Analyzing Flood Insurance Claim Trends in the United States

May 14, 11:55 AM

This session will explore insights from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program data, analyzing flood risks and claims trends to inform flood risk management strategies and guide policy decisions.

Remote Hydrography: Autonomous Survey Vessels and Remote Field Processors

May 14, 12:15 PM

Learn about innovations in autonomous survey technology, including the use of uncrewed survey vessels to collect bathymetric data in challenging conditions and how new processing methods are improving the efficiency of hydrographic surveys.

Panel and Open Discussion: Hydrospatial Challenges & Opportunities

May 14, 2:00 PM

Join industry leaders for a panel discussion addressing the current and future challenges and opportunities in the hydrospatial domain. The session will focus on the intersection of geospatial technologies, data governance, and environmental sustainability.

The Canadian Ocean Mapping Research and Education Network (COMREN)

May 14, 3:00 PM

This presentation will showcase the initiatives of COMREN, which focuses on advancing ocean mapping research and education, and its contributions to Canada’s position as a leader in ocean and coastal mapping.

GeoIgnite 2025 offers more than just sessions—it’s an opportunity to connect with experts and thought leaders in the geospatial and hydrospatial communities, exchange insights, and contribute to shaping the future of water-related geospatial technologies. Join us on May 14, 2025, to be part of this transformative experience. For more information on the full program, visit GeoIgnite 2025.

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