Tentative Keynote speakers

Michael Goodchild, University of California Santa Barbara, USA
Title: The Chaning Face of GIS
Abstract: The presentation will address two topics, both particularly current in GIScience: recent research on the phenomenon of volunteered geographic information (VGI), and the concept of critical spatial thinking. A large number of Web sites now rely on the willingness of citizens to act as
producers as well as consumers of geographic information, and on services that provide the necessary technical support. I use the example of the four recent fires in Santa Barbara to illustrate the growing
importance of this phenomenon, particularly in emergency management. Critical spatial thinking can be defined as the application of spatial intelligence, one of the fundamental forms of human intelligence, but one that is sadly missing as a curriculum topic in our educational system. I show how an understanding of spatial concepts could lead to a vastly improved GIS user interface. Four examples are used to illustrate the importance of critical spatial thinking. The presentation ends with a short description of the work of UCSB's Center for Spatial Studies

John Townshend, University of Maryland at College Park, USA
Title: Terrestrial Monitorting Systems: Transitioning from Research to Operations
Abstract: The paper will discuss the challenges in transitioning from research capabilities to operational systems for terrestrial monitoring systems dependent on remote sensing. Although our technical capabilities have improved greatly in recent years there are many challenges to be overcome if we are to develop reliable operational systems. These relate to the difficulties in ensuring the long-term consistent acquisition of remote sensing data, the creation of a robust ground segment, ensuring that space agencies adopt the standards and protocols of geospatial communities and the adoption of data distribution policies to ensure the availability of data and derived products.

Mark Reichardt, President and CEO of the OGC
Title: Moving Standards-Based Interoperability Beyond the Geospatial Core
Abstract: Mr. Mark Reichardt provides an update on OGC standards and programs, with emphasis on activities addressing the continued expansion of standards-based geospatial interoperability beyond
>the traditional GIS technology core, and into new communities of use. Mr. Reichardt discusses Consortium work to advance interoperability in support of urban modeling, aviation safety, geosciences, ocean observation, grid /cloud computing and the Smart Grid. Additional emphasis will be placed on
>OGC's role in working with other standards organizations to address interoperability for increasingly complex issues that extend beyond OGC's mission boundaries. Mr. Reichardt also discusses the research community role in advancing open standards to facilitate the rapid transfer of research
results into broad application.

Zdenka Willis, Director NOAA IOOS Program Office
Title: United State Ocean Observing Initiatives
Abstract: The United States has a number of ocean observing and monitoring programs aimed at understanding changes within our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes . I will discuss the relationships of a number of ocean observing initiatives such as: the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI), and the U.S. National Water Quality Monitoring Network and how they are linked to one another from an information management perspective. The goal of all of these programs is to increase the monitoring of our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes to support many societal benefits.