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Illuminating the Geographic Approach |
The 23rd Annual Northeast Arc Users Group Conference (NEARC) was held in Hyannis, Massachusetts on September 21-24, 2008.
Some things change, some things stay the same. As in past NEARC conferences, we have a
lot going on with municipal GIS including a focus on affordable ways in which communities can deploy GIS. There’s also good coverage on server technologies, mobile GIS and other technologies that can save communities money. There’s a completely new track focused on building information and GIS, standards, best practices and current applications that will be of interest to municipalities and those who manage facilities at other scales, from multinational corporations and state agencies to colleges, hospitals and smaller companies. ESRI and its partners are taking GIS indoors, using 3D as well as new kinds of data models in this fast-growing application area.
Of course, GIS is still about protecting our natural resources and the special places that make New England such a big tourist attraction. We’re extending the focus on the hot topics of renewable energy facility siting and climate change. We’ve also focused on water as a whole separate track—another resource that’s under a lot of pressure as we continue to develop. Also new, reflecting our Cape venue, is a strong marine emphasis, so you’ll hear from experts on marine and coastal data collection and analysis. The Cape is also noted for regional planning, and we’ve got a selection of talks on that area of GIS. Rounding out the agenda, we’ve got some really interesting public safety and transportation sessions planned, as well as a review of ongoing GIS activities. And on Sunday, we have a whole mini-conference planned for educators—check it out! |
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