Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI, The Data Lab, has today announced the launch of its first-ever Geospatial Fringe programme next month in response to the growing interest in the sector across the UK.
With partners such as NatureScot, the University of Edinburgh, the Association for Geographic Information, and Location Data Scotland, the programme of events and webinars aims to raise awareness and understanding of geospatial data and highlight the work of organisations and communities within the ecosystem.
Geospatial data is used everywhere, from delivery tracking to weather forecasting, fitness tracking, and more. Sometimes called location-based data, it is data collection tied to a specific geographic location.
The UK is ranked second in the world for its geospatial readiness and capabilities. It’s leading international conversations to advance location data and technology, supporting the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UNGGIM) as a founding member.
Scotland has the highest demand for geospatial skills in the UK—and in cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow in particular. However, despite huge opportunities, a lack of awareness is limiting the use of geospatial applications across many areas of the economy.
Fairlie Kirkpatrick Baird, data analyst at NatureScot and host of the Geospatial Fringe event on mapping resilient landscapes, said: “Against the backdrop of climate change, geospatial data has become an important tool in assessing climate resilience.
“Mapping resilient landscapes supports conservation strategies such as 30×30, safeguarding 30% of the UK’s land by 2030.
“By realising the potential of geospatial data, we can manage land and water to increase climate resilience and conserve biological diversity.”
Paul McMillan, community and events programme manager at The Data Lab, also said: “The potential of geospatial applications is massive. However, a lack of awareness is currently hindering their wide adoption across different sectors.
“It is crucial to raise awareness about the countless opportunities they offer in order to fuel the growth of the nation’s geospatial market and benefit our economy and society.
“We’re proud to announce the Geospatial Fringe, to increase understanding and appreciation of geospatial data, highlighting the great work taking place here in Scotland.”
Launching on August 7th in the University of Edinburgh’s Bayes Centre, the fringe will be a programme of free events organised by individuals and organisations in The Data Lab’s online community and wider network.
It includes the following events:
- The Data Lab Community’s Geospatial Fringe Launch Event, 7 August, 17:30 – 19:30 BST at the Bayes Centre, Edinburgh & online.
- NatureScot’s ‘Mapping resilient landscapes: Putting 30×30 on the map in Scotland’, 8 August, 11:00 – 12:00 BST online.
- The University of Edinburgh’s ‘The Code to Mapping New Horizons: Ridge Maps and Orbital Solutions in Noteable’, 14 August 2024 11:30 – 12:30 BST online.
- Geovation Scotland’s ‘Geospatial Tech Entrepreneurs Breakfast’, 21 August 2024 10:00 – 11:30 BST at Meadowbank House in Edinburgh.
- Location Data Scotland, the Scottish Government and AGI Scotland delivering ‘Geospatial Insights 2024: Innovations and Applications Across Sectors’, 27 August 2024 14:30 – 17:00 BST at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute.
- Dundee Data Meetup’s ‘Urban Innovation & Heritage: The Power of Geospatial Data’, 27 August 2024 18:00 – 20:00 BST at the Abertay cyberQuarter in Dundee.
More can be found out about the Geospatial Fringe launch event itself here.
Source: DIGIT