Natural Resources Canada to Participate in GeoIgnite 2025 and Lead Keynote Presentation

Ottawa, ON – GoGeomatics is pleased to announce the participation of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at GeoIgnite 2025, which is taking place from May 12-14, 2025, at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. NRCan’s contributions to this premier geospatial event will be led by the Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation (CCMEO) and will showcase the innovative work of its various divisions including GeoBase, the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing, GeoDiscovery, and the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure.

With a focus on addressing Canada’s most pressing national challenges through geospatial and Earth Observation technologies, the CCMEO-led participation at GeoIgnite will feature an array of talks, presentations, and interactive sessions.

Keynote Presentation

One of the highlights of NRCan’s participation will be the keynote presentation by CCMEO Director General Eric Loubier titled “Exploring the Potential of AI and Earth Observation to Tackle Critical National Challenges”.

With over two decades of experience in geomatics and Earth observation within the federal government, Eric Loubier’s expertise in developing and implementing national geomatics strategies will provide key insights into how AI and Earth Observation can support Canada in tackling critical challenges such as adaption to climate change, resource management, and disaster response.

Featured Talks

Alongside the keynote, NRCan will participate in various conference tracks, including sessions on:

The new Canadian Hydrospatial Network (CHN) – Advancements in hydrography for improved modelling: Introducing the CHN and highlighting how its new features leverage advancements in hydrography to improve both water-related models and their applications to support decision-making.
Satellite Earth Observation in Action: Geointelligence in Disaster Management: Exploring how satellite-based EO data is being used in real-time to support disaster management and recovery efforts across Canada and globally.
Satellite Earth Observation for mapping and assessing terrestrial water dynamics: Showcasing method innovations in water research using CCMEO satellite EO, including introducing national-scale data production for foundational water datasets essential for hydroclimate research and water resources management.
Discover Canada’s Real-time Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring Map: Exploring NRCan’s partnership with Health Canada to develop the Real-time Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring Map, providing Canadians with geospatial information on radioactivity levels across the country every 15 minutes.

CCMEO Booth, and Other Initiatives

CCMEO will also have a booth at the conference to showcase various national initiatives they are undertaking, including but not limited to GEO.ca, the Atlas of Canada, geospatial AI, the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure, the Open Science and Data Platform and the Geographical Names Board of Canada – demonstrating NRCan’s ongoing commitment to advancing geospatial science and technology. In addition to the CCMEO booth, they will have a Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program booth featuring insights from 300+ flood mapping-related projects, including Lidar acquisition to map production, engagement and communications activities, and the federal flood mapping guidelines series.

At GeoIgnite 2025, CCMEO will host the results of the Virtual Student Hackathon Session titled “Building Resilience with GEO.ca – Innovating Emergency Management and Disaster Response”, where students will have the opportunity to develop innovative solutions for enhancing emergency and disaster management using GEO.ca, the definitive source for Canada’s open geospatial information. CCMEO will present an overview of the virtual hackathon concept and its purpose, after which the top three participants will present their work, and the winner will be announced.

CCMEO will also be an active participant in the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Canada Forum and will highlight its role in driving collaboration and advancing standards for the future of geospatial data in Canada. The Canada Forum will bring together key stakeholders from across Canada’s geospatial sector, including industry leaders, academics, Indigenous communities, government representatives, and technologists, to continue vital discussions on advancing geospatial standards, technologies, interoperability, and on the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI). NRCan is a co-chair of the organizing committee, playing a leading role in this important initiative.

About GeoIgnite

GeoIgnite is Canada’s premier geospatial leadership conference, offering a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to collaborate and shape the future of geospatial technologies. The conference will focus on the intersection of geospatial technologies, AI, and Earth Observation, with an emphasis on sustainability and resilience in addressing global and national challenges. For more information about GeoIgnite 2025, registration details, and program updates, visit GeoIgnite.