A national readership survey conducted by GoGeomatics Canada has highlighted a growing concern within the geospatial community: the need for sovereign data infrastructure. As global geopolitical shifts create uncertainty, the survey reveals that Canada can no longer afford to rely on foreign systems to govern its critical geospatial data. This finding underscores the urgency for Canada to take control of its geospatial resources and build the necessary infrastructure to ensure long-term security, autonomy, and innovation in the sector.

The survey, which ran from February to March 2025, received 258 responses and was promoted through GoGeomatics magazine, social media, emailers, and GoGeomatics’ network of partners. The results were presented at GeoIgnite 2025 in Ottawa on May 12, during the open session titled Canada’s Geospatial Future: Innovation & Self-Reliance.

Other Key Insights from the Survey

In addition to the need for sovereign data infrastructure, the survey stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. Respondents highlighted that the Canadian geospatial community is eager to innovate, but meaningful partnerships are needed to facilitate progress. This collaboration should go beyond simple funding and contracts, calling for co-design, co-investment, and co-ownership of outcomes. Creating an environment that allows for experimentation—seeing failure as part of the innovation process — is critical.

Building a Team Canada Approach

The survey asked respondents the best way to promote a “Team Canada” approach to address the geospatial challenges faced by the industry. The results showed a preference for interactive and collaborative formats:

• 36.4% favored offering workshops or seminars to explore adaptation strategies.
• 28.9% supported hosting a dedicated panel discussion with industry experts.
• 25% preferred organizing roundtable discussions to engage attendees on the topic.
• 9.6% felt that asking the keynotes to include the topic was an appropriate option.

Concerns Over Geopolitical Shifts

With the shifting geopolitical landscape, the survey revealed the biggest risks for Canada’s geospatial industry:

• 25.4% cited supply chain disruptions (e.g., access to technology, software, or hardware).
• 17.1% were concerned about market access restrictions, such as tariffs and trade barriers.
• 24.1% pointed to increased costs as a result of geopolitical instability.
• 26.8% highlighted reduced collaboration with international partners as a major concern.

Diversifying and Strengthening Domestic Capabilities

To reduce dependence on external systems and technologies, the survey emphasized the need for diversification and the development of home-grown solutions:

• 34.6% favored increasing partnerships with Europe, Asia, and others.
• 36% recommended developing more home-grown solutions within Canada.
• 29.4% highlighted the importance of supporting government initiatives to promote the Canadian geospatial ecosystem.

Government’s Role in Fostering Innovation

Respondents were asked about the government’s priorities in supporting the Canadian geospatial ecosystem during this period of uncertainty. The top choice was:

• 59.6% supported home-grown research and development.
• 30.7% advocated for fostering international collaboration through public-private partnerships.
• 9.6% favored providing financial support or subsidies for the Canadian private sector.

Support for a Canadian Geospatial Business Directory

A significant majority of respondents (62.3%) supported the creation of a business directory for Canadian geospatial companies, seeing it as a useful tool to enhance visibility and facilitate connections within the sector.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Leadership and Action

The survey results reveal that the Canadian geospatial community is eager to address the challenges posed by global geopolitical shifts. The need for sovereign data infrastructure, combined with a focus on public-private collaboration, is seen as essential for long-term resilience. To achieve these goals, the sector must focus on building sovereign infrastructure, fostering collaborative partnerships, and expanding domestic capabilities.

As Canada navigates an increasingly uncertain global landscape, the geospatial sector is well-positioned to lead the way. The next steps must be guided by a commitment to innovation, self-reliance, and the strategic development of Canada’s geospatial future. The time to act is now, and the community is ready to take the lead.