Speaker Bio & Abstract

Holli Howard Program Manager
Google Maps
Ireland

BiographyHolli Howard, Geo Data Operations Program Manager at Google Maps, works to advance geospatial data interoperability through public-private partnerships. Holli's 25 year career began mapping urban tree canopy in Washington, DC. She transitioned to champion and lead climate and national security initiatives at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency followed by a coveted assignment at USAIDs GeoCenter. She holds two graduate degrees in Natural Resources and Spatial Analysis and has professional certificates from the University of Maryland (GEOINT) and Stanford (Executive LEAD). AbstractEnhance Interoperability through Public-Private PartnershipsIn recent years, Googles mission to focus on the user has only become more vivid. With a growing percentage of authoritative agencies and partners using Google Maps in critical daily work the importance of accuracy is extreme. One clear direction is to groundswell our collaboration with the authoritative data providers and the geospatial industry at the core data level. Not only do we strive to ensure we are meeting the needs of users at this local scale, but also to promote shared discussions around universal geospatial data design and standards. We will highlight programs we have in place to ensure your authoritative data is the preferred source on the map and will showcase our collaboration efforts with many groups here at GWF to increase interoperability on how the data flows between the public and private sectors. We will also encourage audience participation to hear thoughts and questions around interoperability and look forward to growing and initiating new partnerships around core data.