The Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) Geospatial Information Network is set to host the Big Ten GIS Conference on Apr. 11, 2025. This free virtual event promises a day filled with discovery and innovation in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial research. Participants from across the Big Ten universities and beyond will come together to explore emerging technologies and share research findings.
Highlighting the conference is a keynote address by Professor Emily Fairfax from the University of Minnesota. As an expert in ecohydrology and geospatial science, Professor Fairfax’s research focuses on how beavers act as natural ecosystem engineers, enhancing landscape resilience to drought and wildfires. Her work has been featured in major outlets like National Geographic and BBC. Discussing the role of beaver wetlands in mitigating climate challenges, Professor Fairfax noted in a PBS NewsHour interview, “Every one of these wetlands is like a speed bump for the water, delaying that water. As we see climate change and things get warmer and we have more rain and less snow, it’s really important to keep the water in the headwaters longer.” This perspective shows the relevance of her keynote address at the conference.
The conference also features a Map Gallery which provides a platform for students and professionals to showcase geospatial projects. The gallery is an opportunity to highlight innovative research and applications in GIS. In addition to the keynote speaker and the gallery, the event will include various interactive sessions, covering topics such as remote sensing, urban planning, and environmental conservation.
The conference is open to students, researchers, and professionals with an interest in geospatial technologies. While it focuses on work from Big Ten universities, participation is encouraged from all backgrounds. Closed captions will be available to ensure accessibility for all attendees.
Registration for the conference is free and open to all. Interested participants can visit the conference website to secure their spot. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the geospatial community and discover the latest innovations in GIS.
For more details and registration, visit gin.btaa.org/conference/2025/
