URISA Reveals Keynote Speakers for the 2019 Caribbean GIS Conference
The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) has revealed the keynote lineup for the 9th Caribbean GIS Conference, scheduled for November 18–21, 2019, in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The event will open with an address by Ambassador Dr. June Soomer, Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), and conclude with a keynote presentation from Allen Carroll, founder of Esri’s Story Maps initiative.
Dr. Soomer’s opening keynote will explore how geospatial technologies can support sustainable development by helping nations better understand and mitigate the environmental impacts of human activity. Her presentation will emphasize the importance of maximizing geospatial capabilities within small developing countries to strengthen planning, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
The conference will close with Allen Carroll, whose career includes more than two decades at National Geographic, where he served as art director of National Geographic Magazine and chief cartographer for National Geographic Maps. Carroll will discuss the evolution of digital storytelling and the role of interactive mapping in communicating complex geographic information to global audiences.
The 2019 conference program includes a wide range of educational sessions, workshops, and breakout discussions covering topics such as geospatial applications for resilience and sustainable development, disaster preparedness and emergency response, location analytics, smart-city land information systems, citizen science initiatives, and the use of GIS to improve operational efficiency across sectors. Additional sessions will examine the role of early-warning systems and geospatial solutions designed specifically for Caribbean emergency response needs.
Attendees will also have access to hands-on training opportunities, including workshops focused on high-accuracy mobile mapping tools, spatial data science using notebook-based analytical environments, LiDAR and photogrammetry point-cloud processing, parcel management techniques, valuation workflows in GIS, census data solutions for government agencies, and collaborative mapping activities such as the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap mapathon. One workshop is included with full conference registration.
Participation in the conference contributes to GIS Professional (GISP) certification and renewal requirements, offering additional professional development benefits for attendees. The conference exhibition area will provide opportunities to engage with technology vendors, explore new geospatial solutions, and connect with peers from across the Caribbean and international GIS communities.
Early registration discounts were made available through the end of September, encouraging participants to secure their attendance and take advantage of the extensive learning, networking, and collaboration opportunities offered at the 2019 URISA Caribbean GIS Conference.
