Geo-Resolution 2023

Digital Transformations: Navigating a World of Data from Seabed to Space

• September 28, 2023
• Saint Louis University, Busch Student Center, 20 N. Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63103
• Conference - 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (CDT), Geospatial Career Fair - 2-5 p.m. (CDT)

Mission Statement

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and Saint Louis University (SLU) are co-sponsoring Geo-Resolution 2023 to provide a venue for collaboration among geospatial experts and students in government, academia and industry. This year’s conference focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence and new digital technologies on geospatial research and analysis.

Conference Theme

Geospatial science is in the midst of unprecedented digital transformations, from rapid advancements in artificial intelligence to new developments in high-performance computing and remote sensing. This year’s Geo-Resolution Conference explores how geospatial scientists are at the forefront of these digital transformations and what the future holds for geospatial AI.
How has the growing need for real-time information and analysis of large amounts of data driven the growing importance of geospatial AI, machine learning and automation? How are these developments transforming the landscape of geospatial science, its sources and collection, its processing and exploitation, and its ultimate delivery to a user? This conference will explore these questions and shed light on how geospatial practitioners are utilizing new technologies to address some of the world’s most critical challenges.

Programs

Moderated Conversation: “Leader’s Look” - Developments in the Geospatial Ecosystem

“Leaders’ Look” Developments in the Geospatial Ecosystem: NGA Director Vice Admiral Frank D. Whitworth and SLU President Fred Pestello will join TGI Executive Director Nadine Alameh and Esri President Jack Dangermond for a conversation on the growth and development of the Geospatial Ecosystem in the Greater Saint Louis region.

• Moderator: Nadine Alameh, executive director, TGI
• Panelists:
   ◦ Jack Dangermond, president, Esri
   ◦ Fred Pestello, president, SLU
   ◦ Vice Admiral Frank D. Whitworth, director, NGA

 

Morning Keynote Speaker 

Gilman Louie, partner, Alsop Louie Partners; CEO, America's Frontier Fund

 

Panel 1: Rewards, Risks, and Regulations of Artificial Intelligence in Geospatial Science 

With artificial intelligence on the front pages of newspapers and new advances appearing regularly, now is a critical time to discuss AI’s implications for advancing geospatial research and analysis. This panel will feature perspectives on geospatial AI from geospatial practitioners in a wide range of fields. What are the rewards and risks of artificial intelligence in geospatial science?

• Moderator: Mark Munsell, deputy director of data and digital innovation, NGA
• Panelists:
   ◦ Dalton Lunga, group lead, Geospatial-Based AI Group, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
   ◦ Abby Stylianou, assistant professor, computer science, SLU
   ◦ Patrick Wilson, vice president, government relations, MediaTek

 

Panel 2: National Security Considerations of Geospatial Artificial Intelligence 

This panel will address the challenges and opportunities that geospatial AI and related developments pose for national security issues. How have new developments in geospatial AI impacted the geospatial intelligence community? What role do geospatial AI advancements play in efforts to strengthen national security? What new risks and threats does geospatial AI pose for national security?

• Moderator: Joe D. Lyons, director and assistant professor, Security and Strategic Intelligence Program; director, Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence SLU
• Panelists:
   ◦ Michelle Aten, director, artificial intelligence & data analytics, Directorate of Digital Innovation, CIA
   ◦ John Brennan, general manager, public sector, Scale AI
   ◦ Capt. Mark Yeatman, deputy project manager, Project Maven, NGA

 

Panel 3: Engaging the Next Generation of Geospatial Professionals

This panel joins young professionals beginning their careers in geospatial science with experienced geospatial leaders to address new directions regarding digital transformations and geospatial AI. Young professionals have grown up in a digital world with satellite imagery, digital maps, digital assistants and even flight simulator games based on digital twins of the Earth. How can we utilize the new expertise of the digital native generation to serve the geospatial community? How can we interest and engage the digital native generation in geospatial science and analysis?

• Moderator: Ronda Schrenk, CEO, United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation
• Panelists:
   ◦ Khair Bonsasa, Master's in GIS Program, SLU
   ◦ Marlie Mollett, Gaia Lab, NGA
   ◦ Ashley Poling, quality assurance manager, T-Kartor USA
   ◦ Vietta Williams, director, Human Development Directorate, NGA

 

Afternoon Keynote Speaker

Anne Hale Miglarese, Miglarese Consulting, LLC; founder, Radiant Earth Foundation

 

Panel 4: Applications and Commercialization of Geospatial AI: Digital Agriculture and Food Systems

Geospatial AI and new digital technologies have a wide range of potential applications with a critical impact on global issues like climate change and food insecurity. This panel focuses on the utilization of new digital technologies in the realm of agriculture and food systems. Data used for and gleaned from digital agriculture are being applied to a much broader range of global problems than ever before. Experts across disciplines will discuss their work at the nexus of digital agriculture and humanity’s most vexing challenges.

• Moderator: Emily Lohse-Busch, executive director, 39 North
• Panelists:
   ◦ Dave Birchett, National GEOINT officer for economics, threat finance, and climate change, NGA
   ◦ Vasit Sagan, professor and associate vice president for geospatial science, SLU; deputy director, TGI
   ◦ Nadia Shakoor, senior research scientist and principal investigator, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
   ◦ Aaron Buettner, president, food solutions, Bunge
   ◦ LeAnna Guerin, director of data, digital farming solutions, Bayer Crop Science

 

Featured Events

Geospatial Career Fair

As part of the Geo-Resolution 2023 Conference, a geospatial career fair takes place in the afternoon, featuring geospatial companies and organizations from around the region and country. The Geospatial Career Fair is intended for students and professionals at any stage of their careers looking to make career connections and learn of career opportunities in the field.

Student Mentoring Lunch with Career Exploration

Local leaders from industry, academia, and government will join students for a networking lunch to discuss geospatial career paths, the skill sets in demand, and how to establish a successful career in the geospatial field. Attendance at this event is by invitation only. Students and mentors can indicate their interest in attending in the registration form.

Student Poster Session

High school, undergraduate and graduate students are invited to create posters depicting the critical role of geospatial techniques in their research and become eligible to win cash prizes. Posters will be on display during the conference. For more information, please visit the poster session application form.

Networking Reception

Held in the St. Louis Room on the third floor of the Busch Student Center.

 

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's involvement in 2023 Geo-Resolution Conference does not imply endorsement of SLU, TGI, or any SLU-TGI events by the United States Government.