Geospatial data will be in the spotlight from next month with the launch of a series of Scottish ‘fringe events’.
Scotland has the highest demand for geospatial skills in the UK, according to the UK Government’s Geospatial Commission.
The programme of in-person events and webinars will kick off on August 7, in order to raise the profile of the sector and support its growth.
It promises to ‘raise awareness and understanding of geospatial data and highlight the great work of organisations and communities within this ecosystem’.
The programme has been put together by Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI, The Data Lab, and the events are free to attend.
Partners include NatureScot, the University of Edinburgh, the Association for Geographic Information and Location Data Scotland.
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 per cent 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.”
Geospatial data is used everywhere, in all aspects of our lives, from delivery tracking to weather forecasting, the satnav in our car, fitness tracking, and so much more. Sometimes called location-based data, it is a data collection tied to a specific geographic location.
The UK is ranked second in the world for its geospatial readiness and capability. It is leading international conversations to advance the use of 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 particular in cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow. However, despite huge opportunities, a lack of awareness is limiting the use of geospatial applications across many areas of the economy.
Paul McMillan, community & events programme manager at The Data Lab, 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.”
The Data Lab Community, a free platform for data and AI enthusiasts, has connected its members to over 1,200 events and 1,800 job opportunities since launching in 2021.
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.
To find out more about the Geospatial Fringe Launch Event, visit https://community.thedatalab.com/networks/events/152103