Reflecting on Virginia's GIS Conference - GeoCon2024: Innovations, Challenges, and the Path Forward

Returning to VAMLIS Conference felt like a homecoming of friends. It’s always grounding to see familiar faces and reconnect with those who share a passion for geospatial innovation. Professional-social events such as this conference are on the rise again. People are craving interactions (huh, funny we are social beings, a lesson to learn from COVID era).

https://www.nunify.com/blogs/event-planning-statistics-facts-trends

For me, the conference wasn’t just about networking or showcasing the latest tech. It brought me back to the original purpose of these gatherings, reminiscent of the Greeks' "agora"—a place to present ideas, bravely have them examined and critiqued, and for all to draw meaning out of. This year’s event had an undefinable but palpable energy, leaving me with some key takeaways....

NSRS 2025/2026 Datum Update and Required Systems Update (CAMA/similiar)

https://geodesy.noaa.gov/datums/newdatums/TrackOurProgress.shtml

The countdown is on for the 2022 National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) update in 2025/2026. For those working with land records, planimetric assets and any spatial data, (and their great GIS modern integration), the upcoming datum changes are pivotal. In my opinion, Charlie Geoghegan is really taking this charge seriously and with a severe quality lens applied!

The shift also reminds me of similar modernizations of systems including/impacting CAMA systems, land records, and digital appraisals, requiring forward-thinking system updates and coordination to ensure a smooth transition. This is the time for local governments to get ready; a proactive approach will mean fewer disruptions and more precise data moving forward.

Geospatial Strategies: Grassroots Efforts & Expertise found within Partnerships

The complement of consultant-led projects and local government efforts stood out. Consultants are pushing the boundaries of GIS applications, expanding the realm of the possible. Some Local governments (and agencies), however, are facing a plateau, if not a decline, in resources dedicated to GIS. A special shout-out to Michelle Fults , who’s courageously spearheading local geospatial initiatives despite whatever challenges might come her way. Efforts, such as this, remind us of what passionate grassroots GIS is truly about, doing more with what is existing and finding innovative solutions under potential constraints.

I have subscribed to Matthew Lewin content for sometime now and I still find applicable lessons to apply to strategies I am working on

We must ask ourselves, as a community: What do we get right? And where can we improve? The need for valuable partnerships between consultants and local government is undeniable. Let’s push for frameworks that support both consultant innovation and consistent local government growth!

Institutions Craving Internship Opportunities & Higher Education Stepping Up

Virginia’s Higher Ed community is working overtime to prepare students for GIS careers. While it’s easy to (wrongly) assume that tenured professors might just be coasting towards retirement....

the drive and passion I witnessed from institutions like James Madison University , Virginia Commonwealth University , and Christopher Newport University couldn’t be further from that stereotype.

These schools are actively seeking ways to bridge students into meaningful GIS roles, with gritty professors freely sharing expertise into their work and realms. For GIS employers, these schools are gold mines of talent and energy, where the hunger for growth and knowledge is apparent. If I were a University making plans for a successful GIS internship program, I would first look to Jennifer Ciminelli , for insight and practical advise.

Women in GIS: An Essential Voice, Especially for Women 55+

man... (or should I say women).. I could write a "whole nother" article on this.

I’m not typically one to compartmentalize by gender or age, but there’s an opportunity shining within the GIS Industry for Women. This specific boom (no pun intended) I am speaking of is particularly those women over 55, who bring their invaluable expertise and career development to the forefront of our industry. These professionals possess a unique combination of wisdom, resilience, and knowledge in the field.

Individuals & groups looking into this and all things "Women in GIS" are here in Virginia.

In terms of Virginia's GIS industry Wendy Stout, PhD (and many others!) are leading the way of considerations such as these for Women in GIS. The conversation I had with Jenni Ellsworth, GISP, PMP on this topic was promising and I believe their Women in GIS group will try to tackle this challenge.

We’re at a moment where Women 55+ perspective isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for mentoring younger generations and for steering GIS toward a more meaningful definition of inclusive and diverse future.

I could not recommend enough the very professional, very in-depth analysis from PBS on this pattern- https://www.pbs.org/show/the-m-factor-shredding-the-silence-on-menopause/

Certifications and GISP: The Future of GIS Careers

Discussions on the future of certification programs were prominent. The GISP certification continues to be a topic of interest, especially as certain areas of our field become more standardized. In some areas, comprehensive GIS departments in Higher Ed are shrinking, in contrast to, the commercial/private industry booming. Certifications (whatever they might look like in the future) may become even more essential for certain individuals career growth. As departments evolve or disappear, having standardized credentials could prove to be a valuable asset.

I'd recommend a read here of a more in-depth analysis from American Association of Geographers - https://www.aag.org/the-state-of-geography-data-and-trends-in-higher-education/

I am going to stay on the optimistic side of all of this as I believe within the next 2-5 years we will have a clearer vision together as the GIS Community.

https://community.esri.com/t5/education-blog/sometimes-change-brings-innovation-gis-programs-in/ba-p/1477948

^Posted earlier this year, the below article seems relevant (I have not fully gone over this article in depth however I believe they are ground truthing and resonating this same tone I described above.

Competitive Look to the Future: A Closing Thought on #GeoCon2024

When people hear "conference," they may think of networking, technology showcases, or business expansion. But for me, it’s something more timeless—bringing our ideas into a shared space, subjecting them to scrutiny, and refining them in the process.

This conference embodied that spirit, leaving us all with new insights and a renewed commitment to the power of geospatial science and systems.

Looking at the trends of: the conference, the members, Virginia GIS industry, and the top-tier business "state" of Virginia. I believe within 2-5 years are attendance and membership can double. I hope to see this through personally as well as together.

https://virginiabusiness.com/virginia-is-cnbcs-top-state-for-business-for-record-sixth-time/

As we look forward, I see a robust future for GIS, led by passionate individuals and institutions that never stop innovating. It was a privilege to see it all firsthand and to reconnect with the community that drives us forward as we unite together as GIS Professionals. Thank you VAMLIS! https://www.vamlis.org/

If you'd like to keep this conversation going please let me know your thoughts in the comments, or by DMing me! Dakota G. Anderson