GoGeomatics and OGC Partner for GeoIgnite 2025 to Advance Canada’s Geospatial Self-Reliance
Ottawa, ON — GoGeomatics Canada is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) for GeoIgnite 2025, Canada’s premier geospatial leadership conference, taking place May 12-14, 2025, at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.
As part of this collaboration, OGC will play a prominent role in GeoIgnite’s program, contributing their global expertise and leadership to support Canada’s growing, self-reliant geospatial ecosystem. OGC’s involvement underscores a shared commitment to advancing interoperability, data governance, and innovation – key pillars for strengthening Canada’s ability to manage its geospatial data and technologies independently, while maintaining strong global connections.
A Shared Vision for Canada’s Geospatial Future
This year’s conference marks a significant turning point for Canada’s geospatial ecosystem as the country advances toward greater self-reliance, data sovereignty, and innovation.
Some of OGC’s most senior leaders will be participating in GeoIgnite 2025. Among them are Peter Rabley, Chief Executive Officer of OGC, who will deliver a keynote address and engage in high-level discussions, and Christy Monaco, Chief Operating Officer, who will contribute to the conference’s GEOINT program.
“We are pleased to welcome Peter Rabley and the OGC team to GeoIgnite 2025,” said Jonathan Murphy, Founder and CEO of GoGeomatics Canada. “Our long-standing collaboration with OGC continues to be vital as Canada focuses on building a more self-reliant and resilient geospatial ecosystem. OGC’s leadership in advancing open standards and interoperability is helping to shape the future of Canada’s geospatial infrastructure at a time when data sovereignty and technological innovation are at the forefront.”
“As AI, cloud computing, and IPT concerns reshape how geospatial information is managed, building a self-reliant and resilient geospatial ecosystem is more important than ever,” said Peter Rabley, CEO of OGC. “At GeoIgnite 2025, we are looking forward to engaging with Canada’s geospatial community to explore how open interoperability and collaboration can strengthen the country’s ability to manage and protect its geospatial data for the future.”
Also joining the OGC team is Prashant Shukle, Chair of the OGC Board of Directors and former Director General of the Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation (CCMEO). Prashant’s leadership and deep understanding of Canada’s geospatial priorities make his participation especially significant as the country works toward building a more self-reliant and resilient geospatial infrastructure.
OGC Participation Highlights at GeoIgnite 2025
Through keynotes, forums, and collaborative discussions, OGC will help advance conversations on interoperability, data governance, and digital self-reliance – critical issues for Canada in today’s changing geopolitical and technological landscape.
Keynote Address by Peter Rabley
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Peter Rabley, CEO of OGC, will deliver a keynote address offering a global perspective on data governance, interoperability, and the future of Canada’s role in the global geospatial ecosystem.
Monday, May 12, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
OGC will host the OGC Canada Forum, bringing together government, academia, Indigenous organizations, and private sector experts to explore topics including:
- The Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI)
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) and geospatial integration
- The use of OGC standards in Geo.ca
Preliminary Agenda:
- 1:00 – 1:10 PM | Welcome and Introduction
- 1:10 – 2:10 PM | Panel: Towards a Collaborative National Geospatial Strategy
- 2:10 – 3:10 PM | Building Information Modeling and Geospatial: From Conversation to Action
- 3:10 – 3:50 PM | Geo.ca Presentation: Use of OGC Standards in Geo.ca
- 3:50 – 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks
The OGC Canada Forum will also be available in a virtual format. The program will be livestreamed, and participants from across Canada and around the world are invited to join online by registering in advance.
Open Discussion Forum: Canada’s Geospatial Future – Innovation & Self-Reliance
Monday, May 12, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
OGC will participate in this important open forum, addressing Canada’s path toward greater self-reliance in the geospatial sector. Key discussion areas include:
- Domestic innovation and the role of Canadian expertise
- Data security and sovereign data infrastructure
- Public-private partnerships to bolster technology advancements
- Leveraging geospatial solutions to enhance security, infrastructure, and economic growth
About Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)
The Open Geospatial Consortium is an international consortium of more than 450 businesses, government agencies, research organizations, and universities driving the development of open standards for geospatial data and services. OGC’s mission is to make geospatial information and services FAIR—Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.
For more information, visit https://www.ogc.org/
About GeoIgnite
GeoIgnite is Canada’s national leadership conference on geospatial technologies. Held annually, GeoIgnite brings together government, industry, academia, and non-profits to explore the latest trends, technologies, and opportunities in the geospatial sector. GeoIgnite 2025 takes place May 12–14, 2025, in Ottawa. For details, visit https://geoignite.ca/
