

Under Barbara's leadership, millions of satellite images have been made available to the general public at no charge, allowing scientists, planners and policy makers to make better-informed decisions on environmental problems. Barbara's career began in 1974 at the USGS. From 2008 to 2012, she was Director of the WMO Space Programme, and from 2012 to 2018, Ryan was the Secretariat Director of GEO in Geneva, Switzerland. In January 2021, Barbara became Executive Director of the World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC), a global not-for-profit trade association of private-sector companies working in the geospatial and Earth observation ecosystem.
Barbara Ryan
Barbara Ryan
Executive Director , World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC) , USA
Under Barbara's leadership, millions of satellite images have been made available to the general public at no charge, allowing scientists, planners and policy makers to make better-informed decisions on environmental problems. Barbara's career began in 1974 at the USGS. From 2008 to 2012, she was Director of the WMO Space Programme, and from 2012 to 2018, Ryan was the Secretariat Director of GEO in Geneva, Switzerland. In January 2021, Barbara became Executive Director of the World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC), a global not-for-profit trade association of private-sector companies working in the geospatial and Earth observation ecosystem.

Under Barbara's leadership, millions of satellite images have been made available to the general public at no charge, allowing scientists, planners and policy makers to make better-informed decisions on environmental problems. Barbara's career began in 1974 at the USGS. From 2008 to 2012, she was Director of the WMO Space Programme, and from 2012 to 2018, Ryan was the Secretariat Director of GEO in Geneva, Switzerland. In January 2021, Barbara became Executive Director of the World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC), a global not-for-profit trade association of private-sector companies working in the geospatial and Earth observation ecosystem.
Executive Director | World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC) | USA


Abstract
Empowering participatory geospatial data for local decision-making
Too often in the international development and geospatial sectors we talk about the power of geolocated information for reporting on SDG outcomes and making high level decisions without taking into account the most vulnerable populations and what their role is creating and using geospatial information. In the land sector, Cadasta Foundation focuses on enabling local people without formal land rights to participate in creating and using their own data to secure legal land rights and to make community decisions. Local partners train communities in their land rights, on gender inclusion, and on how to use simple digital geospatial and survey tools to document and map their community boundaries and parcels. This data empowerment is an important element in achieving the SDGs, whose implementation by design starts in local communities. We also help land sector actors use geospatial data to communicate with one another, for example through a dashboard and data portal created with the Liberia land Authority to upload and track civil society efforts at documenting and titling land. A simple dashboard allows the LLA to see which organizations and donors are working where, and to track where land titles have been submitted, verified, and issued. Closing the geospatial gap doesn't just mean making geospatial technologies accessible to low-resource communities--it also means closing the information gap between communities, government agencies, donors, and the private sector, who experience real challenges in engaging with one another. Digital maps, geolocated data analysis, dashboards, and other geospatial tools empower all stakeholders to collect, visualize, share and manage data in new ways that help them make decisions that improve lives and strengthen communities.
Amy Coughenour Betancourt
Amy Coughenour Betancourt
CEO , CADASTA Foundation , USA
Abstract
Empowering participatory geospatial data for local decision-making
Too often in the international development and geospatial sectors we talk about the power of geolocated information for reporting on SDG outcomes and making high level decisions without taking into account the most vulnerable populations and what their role is creating and using geospatial information. In the land sector, Cadasta Foundation focuses on enabling local people without formal land rights to participate in creating and using their own data to secure legal land rights and to make community decisions. Local partners train communities in their land rights, on gender inclusion, and on how to use simple digital geospatial and survey tools to document and map their community boundaries and parcels. This data empowerment is an important element in achieving the SDGs, whose implementation by design starts in local communities. We also help land sector actors use geospatial data to communicate with one another, for example through a dashboard and data portal created with the Liberia land Authority to upload and track civil society efforts at documenting and titling land. A simple dashboard allows the LLA to see which organizations and donors are working where, and to track where land titles have been submitted, verified, and issued. Closing the geospatial gap doesn't just mean making geospatial technologies accessible to low-resource communities--it also means closing the information gap between communities, government agencies, donors, and the private sector, who experience real challenges in engaging with one another. Digital maps, geolocated data analysis, dashboards, and other geospatial tools empower all stakeholders to collect, visualize, share and manage data in new ways that help them make decisions that improve lives and strengthen communities.

Abstract
Empowering participatory geospatial data for local decision-making
Too often in the international development and geospatial sectors we talk about the power of geolocated information for reporting on SDG outcomes and making high level decisions without taking into account the most vulnerable populations and what their role is creating and using geospatial information. In the land sector, Cadasta Foundation focuses on enabling local people without formal land rights to participate in creating and using their own data to secure legal land rights and to make community decisions. Local partners train communities in their land rights, on gender inclusion, and on how to use simple digital geospatial and survey tools to document and map their community boundaries and parcels. This data empowerment is an important element in achieving the SDGs, whose implementation by design starts in local communities. We also help land sector actors use geospatial data to communicate with one another, for example through a dashboard and data portal created with the Liberia land Authority to upload and track civil society efforts at documenting and titling land. A simple dashboard allows the LLA to see which organizations and donors are working where, and to track where land titles have been submitted, verified, and issued. Closing the geospatial gap doesn't just mean making geospatial technologies accessible to low-resource communities--it also means closing the information gap between communities, government agencies, donors, and the private sector, who experience real challenges in engaging with one another. Digital maps, geolocated data analysis, dashboards, and other geospatial tools empower all stakeholders to collect, visualize, share and manage data in new ways that help them make decisions that improve lives and strengthen communities.
CEO | CADASTA Foundation | USA

Timothy Fella
Team Lead, Geospatial Authorities | Esri


Abstract
WaPOR - Monitoring Water Productivity through Open access of remotely sensed derived data
Boudewijn Van Silfhout
Boudewijn Van Silfhout
CEO , eLEAF , The Netherlands
Abstract
WaPOR - Monitoring Water Productivity through Open access of remotely sensed derived data

Abstract
WaPOR - Monitoring Water Productivity through Open access of remotely sensed derived data
CEO | eLEAF | The Netherlands


'Andreas Littkopf holds a degree in agriculture (terrestrial ecology) from the Humboldt University in Berlin (1986) and a degree in business management (2000). After working as head of the department in a local environmental agency, he acted as Pre-Accession Adviser and residential Twinning Adviser in Poland and Slovenia implementing environment related EU directives. From 2007 he led the European Topic Centre for Land Use and Spatial Information (ETC/LUSI, 2007-2010) and the European Topic Centre for Spatial Information and Analysis (ETC/SIA) during 2011-2012. He also co-ordinated research activities of the University teams and was task manager in several FP7 projects related to earth observation and environmental information management. In July 2012 he started working at the Environment Agency Austria, where he was responsible for project development with European and international financial institutions and coordinated a Central Asian project on environmental monitoring. From 2015 he has been leading the European Topic Centre on Urban, Land and Soil systems and since 2022 the new ETC data integration and digitisation, which supports the EEA among others in implementing the Copernicus land monitoring program. Furthermore, he supports the development of remote sensing expertise in the European Neighbourhood East and participates as a data expert for monitoring Nature based solutions in H2020 projects.'
Andreas Littkopf
Andreas Littkopf
Manager - The European Topic Center Data integration and digitalization , European Environment Agency , Austria
'Andreas Littkopf holds a degree in agriculture (terrestrial ecology) from the Humboldt University in Berlin (1986) and a degree in business management (2000). After working as head of the department in a local environmental agency, he acted as Pre-Accession Adviser and residential Twinning Adviser in Poland and Slovenia implementing environment related EU directives. From 2007 he led the European Topic Centre for Land Use and Spatial Information (ETC/LUSI, 2007-2010) and the European Topic Centre for Spatial Information and Analysis (ETC/SIA) during 2011-2012. He also co-ordinated research activities of the University teams and was task manager in several FP7 projects related to earth observation and environmental information management.
In July 2012 he started working at the Environment Agency Austria, where he was responsible for project development with European and international financial institutions and coordinated a Central Asian project on environmental monitoring. From 2015 he has been leading the European Topic Centre on Urban, Land and Soil systems and since 2022 the new ETC data integration and digitisation, which supports the EEA among others in implementing the Copernicus land monitoring program. Furthermore, he supports the development of remote sensing expertise in the European Neighbourhood East and participates as a data expert for monitoring Nature based solutions in H2020 projects.'

'Andreas Littkopf holds a degree in agriculture (terrestrial ecology) from the Humboldt University in Berlin (1986) and a degree in business management (2000). After working as head of the department in a local environmental agency, he acted as Pre-Accession Adviser and residential Twinning Adviser in Poland and Slovenia implementing environment related EU directives. From 2007 he led the European Topic Centre for Land Use and Spatial Information (ETC/LUSI, 2007-2010) and the European Topic Centre for Spatial Information and Analysis (ETC/SIA) during 2011-2012. He also co-ordinated research activities of the University teams and was task manager in several FP7 projects related to earth observation and environmental information management. In July 2012 he started working at the Environment Agency Austria, where he was responsible for project development with European and international financial institutions and coordinated a Central Asian project on environmental monitoring. From 2015 he has been leading the European Topic Centre on Urban, Land and Soil systems and since 2022 the new ETC data integration and digitisation, which supports the EEA among others in implementing the Copernicus land monitoring program. Furthermore, he supports the development of remote sensing expertise in the European Neighbourhood East and participates as a data expert for monitoring Nature based solutions in H2020 projects.'
Manager - The European Topic Center Data integration and digitalization | European Environment Agency | Austria


Aster Denekew YILMA is a Geographic Information Officer working in the Geospatial Information Management System Section at the African Centre for Statistics of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Ms. Yilma joined ECA in 2010. Her area of expertise is in Geospatial Science and Technology, which includes GIS, Remote Sensing, Earth Observation and Space Technology. Before joining ECA, Ms. Yilma worked as GIS, IT and Database Expert in the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), an international research organization, where she had contributed to several research outputs. She also worked in the public sector as GIS Specialist and Computer Programmer in Environmental Protection Authority and as Senior Statistician in Ministry of Mines and Energy. Ms. Yilma has more than 20 years of professional experience in the field of geospatial science and technology, earth observation and space technology. In her current capacity, she is involved in promoting the use of geospatial information and technologies in African countries to support decision and policy making for sustainable socio-economic development, environmental impacts and societal benefits. For this cause, she contributed in many areas such as the development of national spatial data infrastructure in African countries by providing technical assistance and policy support to Member States; support the United Nations Global Information Management (UN-GGIM) initiative; integration of statistical and geospatial information; capacity development in African countries through capacity building and training workshops; development of space policy and strategy in Africa; and working in collaboration and providing assistance to regional and international organizations such as Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), African Regional Institute for Geospatial Science and Technology (AFRIGIST), Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) Association, Geospatial Media and Communication, and Group Earth Observation (GEO), Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). Ms. Yilma holds a Master of Science degree in Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation from the University of Twente, Faculty of Geoinformation and Earth Observation, formerly named International Institute for Geoinformation and Earth Observation (ITC), The Netherlands; Professional Masters degree in Geoinformation Science specializing in Geographic Information Systems from ITC, The Netherlands; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. Ms. Yilma contributed in several professional and scientific papers as author and co-author. Some of her publications include Volunteer Geographic Information in Africa; Spatially Enabled Africa; Spatial Characterization of the Nile Basin for Improved Water Management; Characterization and Atlas of the Blue Nile Basin and its Sub Basins; Water Resources and Irrigation Development in Ethiopia; and Ontology Based GeoPortals for Accessing Geospatial Data and Web Services.
Abstract
Building fundamental geospatial datasets for the sustainable development goals in Africa
The sustainable development goals (SDGs) indicators require the use of modern, innovative technologies, including geospatial technologies, for comprehensive, disaggregated and frequent data collection, across all three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social, and environmental). The availability of consistent and accurate detailed geographic information is a key enabler for the growth of national economies. Mapping Socio-economic indicators improves the ability to make a better decision in the various socio-economic development sectors. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) conducted a study in the identification of fundamental datasets that are relevant for the SDGs. The Geospatial Data Taxonomy for the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa identifies all the SDG indicators that requires geospatial data and the corresponding geospatial themes and layers. ECA is currently undertaking an assessment on the availability of geospatial datasets that are relevant to track and monitor the SDGs. The presentation summarizes the findings of the assessment.
Aster Denekew Yilma
Aster Denekew Yilma
Geographic Information Officer , United Nations Economic Commission for Africa , Ethiopia
Aster Denekew YILMA is a Geographic Information Officer working in the Geospatial Information Management System Section at the African Centre for Statistics of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Ms. Yilma joined ECA in 2010. Her area of expertise is in Geospatial Science and Technology, which includes GIS, Remote Sensing, Earth Observation and Space Technology. Before joining ECA, Ms. Yilma worked as GIS, IT and Database Expert in the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), an international research organization, where she had contributed to several research outputs. She also worked in the public sector as GIS Specialist and Computer Programmer in Environmental Protection Authority and as Senior Statistician in Ministry of Mines and Energy. Ms. Yilma has more than 20 years of professional experience in the field of geospatial science and technology, earth observation and space technology. In her current capacity, she is involved in promoting the use of geospatial information and technologies in African countries to support decision and policy making for sustainable socio-economic development, environmental impacts and societal benefits. For this cause, she contributed in many areas such as the development of national spatial data infrastructure in African countries by providing technical assistance and policy support to Member States; support the United Nations Global Information Management (UN-GGIM) initiative; integration of statistical and geospatial information; capacity development in African countries through capacity building and training workshops; development of space policy and strategy in Africa; and working in collaboration and providing assistance to regional and international organizations such as Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), African Regional Institute for Geospatial Science and Technology (AFRIGIST), Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) Association, Geospatial Media and Communication, and Group Earth Observation (GEO), Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). Ms. Yilma holds a Master of Science degree in Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation from the University of Twente, Faculty of Geoinformation and Earth Observation, formerly named International Institute for Geoinformation and Earth Observation (ITC), The Netherlands; Professional Masters degree in Geoinformation Science specializing in Geographic Information Systems from ITC, The Netherlands; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. Ms. Yilma contributed in several professional and scientific papers as author and co-author. Some of her publications include Volunteer Geographic Information in Africa; Spatially Enabled Africa; Spatial Characterization of the Nile Basin for Improved Water Management; Characterization and Atlas of the Blue Nile Basin and its Sub Basins; Water Resources and Irrigation Development in Ethiopia; and Ontology Based GeoPortals for Accessing Geospatial Data and Web Services.
Abstract
Building fundamental geospatial datasets for the sustainable development goals in Africa
The sustainable development goals (SDGs) indicators require the use of modern, innovative technologies, including geospatial technologies, for comprehensive, disaggregated and frequent data collection, across all three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social, and environmental). The availability of consistent and accurate detailed geographic information is a key enabler for the growth of national economies. Mapping Socio-economic indicators improves the ability to make a better decision in the various socio-economic development sectors. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) conducted a study in the identification of fundamental datasets that are relevant for the SDGs. The Geospatial Data Taxonomy for the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa identifies all the SDG indicators that requires geospatial data and the corresponding geospatial themes and layers. ECA is currently undertaking an assessment on the availability of geospatial datasets that are relevant to track and monitor the SDGs. The presentation summarizes the findings of the assessment.

Aster Denekew YILMA is a Geographic Information Officer working in the Geospatial Information Management System Section at the African Centre for Statistics of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Ms. Yilma joined ECA in 2010. Her area of expertise is in Geospatial Science and Technology, which includes GIS, Remote Sensing, Earth Observation and Space Technology. Before joining ECA, Ms. Yilma worked as GIS, IT and Database Expert in the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), an international research organization, where she had contributed to several research outputs. She also worked in the public sector as GIS Specialist and Computer Programmer in Environmental Protection Authority and as Senior Statistician in Ministry of Mines and Energy. Ms. Yilma has more than 20 years of professional experience in the field of geospatial science and technology, earth observation and space technology. In her current capacity, she is involved in promoting the use of geospatial information and technologies in African countries to support decision and policy making for sustainable socio-economic development, environmental impacts and societal benefits. For this cause, she contributed in many areas such as the development of national spatial data infrastructure in African countries by providing technical assistance and policy support to Member States; support the United Nations Global Information Management (UN-GGIM) initiative; integration of statistical and geospatial information; capacity development in African countries through capacity building and training workshops; development of space policy and strategy in Africa; and working in collaboration and providing assistance to regional and international organizations such as Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), African Regional Institute for Geospatial Science and Technology (AFRIGIST), Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) Association, Geospatial Media and Communication, and Group Earth Observation (GEO), Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). Ms. Yilma holds a Master of Science degree in Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation from the University of Twente, Faculty of Geoinformation and Earth Observation, formerly named International Institute for Geoinformation and Earth Observation (ITC), The Netherlands; Professional Masters degree in Geoinformation Science specializing in Geographic Information Systems from ITC, The Netherlands; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. Ms. Yilma contributed in several professional and scientific papers as author and co-author. Some of her publications include Volunteer Geographic Information in Africa; Spatially Enabled Africa; Spatial Characterization of the Nile Basin for Improved Water Management; Characterization and Atlas of the Blue Nile Basin and its Sub Basins; Water Resources and Irrigation Development in Ethiopia; and Ontology Based GeoPortals for Accessing Geospatial Data and Web Services.
Abstract
Building fundamental geospatial datasets for the sustainable development goals in Africa
The sustainable development goals (SDGs) indicators require the use of modern, innovative technologies, including geospatial technologies, for comprehensive, disaggregated and frequent data collection, across all three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social, and environmental). The availability of consistent and accurate detailed geographic information is a key enabler for the growth of national economies. Mapping Socio-economic indicators improves the ability to make a better decision in the various socio-economic development sectors. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) conducted a study in the identification of fundamental datasets that are relevant for the SDGs. The Geospatial Data Taxonomy for the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa identifies all the SDG indicators that requires geospatial data and the corresponding geospatial themes and layers. ECA is currently undertaking an assessment on the availability of geospatial datasets that are relevant to track and monitor the SDGs. The presentation summarizes the findings of the assessment.
Geographic Information Officer | United Nations Economic Commission for Africa | Ethiopia

Yury Sakovich
Business Development Manager | Trimble | Germany


Shin-ichi Sobue got a master degree of engineering from Toyohashi university of Technology in Japan in 1989 and got a philosophical doctor of engineering from Kennedy-Western University in USA in 2000. His major is image data analysis of earth observation data. He joined JAXA in 1989 and had been work for earth observation satellite ground system development and data research management. From January 2017 to 2021, he served Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) project manager. From 2022, he serves deputy chief officer of Earth Observation missions and ALOS-2 mission manager in JAXA. He also plays a role of co-lead of GEOGLAM Asia-RiCE team, ISPRS commission I workgroup 1 co-chair and vice president of remote sensing society of Japan.
Abstract
JAXA's Earth Observation Satellites and SDGs
Shinichi Sobue
Shinichi Sobue
Deputy Chief Officer of Earth Observation Applications , Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) , Japan
Shin-ichi Sobue got a master degree of engineering from Toyohashi university of Technology in Japan in 1989 and got a philosophical doctor of engineering from Kennedy-Western University in USA in 2000. His major is image data analysis of earth observation data. He joined JAXA in 1989 and had been work for earth observation satellite ground system development and data research management. From January 2017 to 2021, he served Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) project manager. From 2022, he serves deputy chief officer of Earth Observation missions and ALOS-2 mission manager in JAXA. He also plays a role of co-lead of GEOGLAM Asia-RiCE team, ISPRS commission I workgroup 1 co-chair and vice president of remote sensing society of Japan.
Abstract
JAXA's Earth Observation Satellites and SDGs

Shin-ichi Sobue got a master degree of engineering from Toyohashi university of Technology in Japan in 1989 and got a philosophical doctor of engineering from Kennedy-Western University in USA in 2000. His major is image data analysis of earth observation data. He joined JAXA in 1989 and had been work for earth observation satellite ground system development and data research management. From January 2017 to 2021, he served Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) project manager. From 2022, he serves deputy chief officer of Earth Observation missions and ALOS-2 mission manager in JAXA. He also plays a role of co-lead of GEOGLAM Asia-RiCE team, ISPRS commission I workgroup 1 co-chair and vice president of remote sensing society of Japan.
Abstract
JAXA's Earth Observation Satellites and SDGs
Deputy Chief Officer of Earth Observation Applications | Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) | Japan


Dr. Pooja Mahapatra is responsible for geospatial and remote sensing solutions at Fugro. Since 2019, she has worked on commercializing a variety of cutting-edge Fugro innovations, with applications ranging from coastal resilience to railway track maintenance. Through Fugro, she is an active member of the Disaster Resilience Working Group of the WGIC. From 2016 to 2019, she led the global technology deployment and replication efforts in the geospatial domain at Shell, and provided internal consultancy on remote sensing, geospatial analytics and geodesy to various parts of the business. Prior to this, she was a senior InSAR engineer at SkyGeo. Pooja holds a PhD from Delft University of Technology on satellite remote sensing (InSAR) for ground deformation monitoring. Her passion lies in applying geospatial to real-world challenges, and was honoured to be selected as one of "Geospatial World's 50 Rising Stars" in 2022.
Abstract
Geo-data for making better decisions on climate change adaptation - focus on small islands
Pooja Mahapatra
Pooja Mahapatra
Global Lead - Geospatial for Climate , Fugro , The Netherlands
Dr. Pooja Mahapatra is responsible for geospatial and remote sensing solutions at Fugro. Since 2019, she has worked on commercializing a variety of cutting-edge Fugro innovations, with applications ranging from coastal resilience to railway track maintenance. Through Fugro, she is an active member of the Disaster Resilience Working Group of the WGIC. From 2016 to 2019, she led the global technology deployment and replication efforts in the geospatial domain at Shell, and provided internal consultancy on remote sensing, geospatial analytics and geodesy to various parts of the business. Prior to this, she was a senior InSAR engineer at SkyGeo. Pooja holds a PhD from Delft University of Technology on satellite remote sensing (InSAR) for ground deformation monitoring. Her passion lies in applying geospatial to real-world challenges, and was honoured to be selected as one of "Geospatial World's 50 Rising Stars" in 2022.
Abstract
Geo-data for making better decisions on climate change adaptation - focus on small islands

Dr. Pooja Mahapatra is responsible for geospatial and remote sensing solutions at Fugro. Since 2019, she has worked on commercializing a variety of cutting-edge Fugro innovations, with applications ranging from coastal resilience to railway track maintenance. Through Fugro, she is an active member of the Disaster Resilience Working Group of the WGIC. From 2016 to 2019, she led the global technology deployment and replication efforts in the geospatial domain at Shell, and provided internal consultancy on remote sensing, geospatial analytics and geodesy to various parts of the business. Prior to this, she was a senior InSAR engineer at SkyGeo. Pooja holds a PhD from Delft University of Technology on satellite remote sensing (InSAR) for ground deformation monitoring. Her passion lies in applying geospatial to real-world challenges, and was honoured to be selected as one of "Geospatial World's 50 Rising Stars" in 2022.
Abstract
Geo-data for making better decisions on climate change adaptation - focus on small islands
Global Lead - Geospatial for Climate | Fugro | The Netherlands


Mikael J.A. Maes is an Environmental Data Scientist at the Environment Directorate of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He specialises in using geospatial data and statistical programming to understand better environmental processes and the impact of climate change around the world. At the OECD, he supports countries by developing data and indicators on the amount of protected areas and by studying the impact and vulnerability of countries to air pollution and climate hazards, amongst other themes. Mikael has more than eight years of experience in climate change and environment research in academia, public, private and international spheres. During his Ph.D., he studied the relationship between mental health, cognition and nature exposure and how these ecosystem benefits can be better integrated into SEEA accounting. He holds two M.Sc. degrees and a B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Biology.
Mikael J.A. Maes
Mikael J.A. Maes
Environmental Data Scientist at the Environment Directorate , Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Mikael J.A. Maes is an Environmental Data Scientist at the Environment Directorate of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He specialises in using geospatial data and statistical programming to understand better environmental processes and the impact of climate change around the world. At the OECD, he supports countries by developing data and indicators on the amount of protected areas and by studying the impact and vulnerability of countries to air pollution and climate hazards, amongst other themes. Mikael has more than eight years of experience in climate change and environment research in academia, public, private and international spheres. During his Ph.D., he studied the relationship between mental health, cognition and nature exposure and how these ecosystem benefits can be better integrated into SEEA accounting. He holds two M.Sc. degrees and a B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Biology.

Mikael J.A. Maes is an Environmental Data Scientist at the Environment Directorate of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He specialises in using geospatial data and statistical programming to understand better environmental processes and the impact of climate change around the world. At the OECD, he supports countries by developing data and indicators on the amount of protected areas and by studying the impact and vulnerability of countries to air pollution and climate hazards, amongst other themes. Mikael has more than eight years of experience in climate change and environment research in academia, public, private and international spheres. During his Ph.D., he studied the relationship between mental health, cognition and nature exposure and how these ecosystem benefits can be better integrated into SEEA accounting. He holds two M.Sc. degrees and a B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Biology.
Environmental Data Scientist at the Environment Directorate | Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)


Abstract
GoldenEye H2020 project
We give human analysts superhuman powers with our proven and awards winning suite of AI platforms.
OPT/NET team is solving the most challenging real-time geo analytical and telemetry analysis problems.
Two of our flagship projects are funded under EC Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) funding. These two Horizon 2020 projects are GoldenEye and CENTURION. These advanced AI projects demonstrate the advanced EoD and Big Data processing platforms that we developed over the years through collaboration with ESA, Copernicus, European Commission and the industry.
The most successful and commercially attractive use cases for which OPT/NET has solutions are in mining, agriculture, forestry, maritime and emergency management sectors.
Our mission ready platforms are available today, offering unparalleled capabilities for near real time processing of all types of sensor data at the lowest cost and minimum effort from the operators.
Our mission is to improve the lives of more than 1 billion people in the next 5 years by applying powerful AI to processing of the Earth observations data and systems telemetry.
Taras Matselyukh
Taras Matselyukh
CEO and Founder , OPT / NET BV , The Netherlands
Abstract
GoldenEye H2020 project
We give human analysts superhuman powers with our proven and awards winning suite of AI platforms.
OPT/NET team is solving the most challenging real-time geo analytical and telemetry analysis problems.
Two of our flagship projects are funded under EC Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) funding. These two Horizon 2020 projects are GoldenEye and CENTURION. These advanced AI projects demonstrate the advanced EoD and Big Data processing platforms that we developed over the years through collaboration with ESA, Copernicus, European Commission and the industry.
The most successful and commercially attractive use cases for which OPT/NET has solutions are in mining, agriculture, forestry, maritime and emergency management sectors.
Our mission ready platforms are available today, offering unparalleled capabilities for near real time processing of all types of sensor data at the lowest cost and minimum effort from the operators.
Our mission is to improve the lives of more than 1 billion people in the next 5 years by applying powerful AI to processing of the Earth observations data and systems telemetry.

Abstract
GoldenEye H2020 project
We give human analysts superhuman powers with our proven and awards winning suite of AI platforms.
OPT/NET team is solving the most challenging real-time geo analytical and telemetry analysis problems.
Two of our flagship projects are funded under EC Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) funding. These two Horizon 2020 projects are GoldenEye and CENTURION. These advanced AI projects demonstrate the advanced EoD and Big Data processing platforms that we developed over the years through collaboration with ESA, Copernicus, European Commission and the industry.
The most successful and commercially attractive use cases for which OPT/NET has solutions are in mining, agriculture, forestry, maritime and emergency management sectors.
Our mission ready platforms are available today, offering unparalleled capabilities for near real time processing of all types of sensor data at the lowest cost and minimum effort from the operators.
Our mission is to improve the lives of more than 1 billion people in the next 5 years by applying powerful AI to processing of the Earth observations data and systems telemetry.
CEO and Founder | OPT / NET BV | The Netherlands


Abstract
During the last decades we have seen a great effort from the scientific community, governments and organizations to bring awareness of the real threat that climate change is for humanity. Many industries are investing in their transition towards sustainability, and many others are seeing how they can support the fight against climate change and the energy transition.
Space is one of these industries, and specifically, the ability to monitor our Earth from space, in order to provide information to policy makers and organizations worldwide in a timely manner.
GEOSAT is a European Earth Observation satellite operator and data and services provider, which is also contributing to Earth monitoring, energy transition and to the fight against climate change.
GEOSAT has developed tools, such as a Lithium detection algorithm, in order to identify key resources for the energy transition. We also contribute with the monitoring of land usage, environmental impact assessments, tracking of renewal energy projects, as well as carbon mapping. Thanks to LEO satellites, large areas can be monitored in a short period of time, providing biomass area calculation, and tracking carbon credit initiatives.
Javier Alexander Santos
Javier Alexander Santos
Business Development Manager , GeoSAT , Spain
Abstract
During the last decades we have seen a great effort from the scientific community, governments and organizations to bring awareness of the real threat that climate change is for humanity. Many industries are investing in their transition towards sustainability, and many others are seeing how they can support the fight against climate change and the energy transition.
Space is one of these industries, and specifically, the ability to monitor our Earth from space, in order to provide information to policy makers and organizations worldwide in a timely manner.
GEOSAT is a European Earth Observation satellite operator and data and services provider, which is also contributing to Earth monitoring, energy transition and to the fight against climate change.
GEOSAT has developed tools, such as a Lithium detection algorithm, in order to identify key resources for the energy transition. We also contribute with the monitoring of land usage, environmental impact assessments, tracking of renewal energy projects, as well as carbon mapping. Thanks to LEO satellites, large areas can be monitored in a short period of time, providing biomass area calculation, and tracking carbon credit initiatives.

Abstract
During the last decades we have seen a great effort from the scientific community, governments and organizations to bring awareness of the real threat that climate change is for humanity. Many industries are investing in their transition towards sustainability, and many others are seeing how they can support the fight against climate change and the energy transition.
Space is one of these industries, and specifically, the ability to monitor our Earth from space, in order to provide information to policy makers and organizations worldwide in a timely manner.
GEOSAT is a European Earth Observation satellite operator and data and services provider, which is also contributing to Earth monitoring, energy transition and to the fight against climate change.
GEOSAT has developed tools, such as a Lithium detection algorithm, in order to identify key resources for the energy transition. We also contribute with the monitoring of land usage, environmental impact assessments, tracking of renewal energy projects, as well as carbon mapping. Thanks to LEO satellites, large areas can be monitored in a short period of time, providing biomass area calculation, and tracking carbon credit initiatives.
Business Development Manager | GeoSAT | Spain


Alex Sweeney is a Senior Geospatial Data Analyst at Locana with a decade of experience in the climate, environmental remote sensing, and GIS fields. Her experience includes working with multivariate geospatial data ranging from satellite derived products, climate models, and ground-based observational data. She utilizes both open source and proprietary software for the acquisition, management, processing, and delivery of data. Her interdisciplinary background and foundation in climate science (B.S. Earth and Space Exploration, M.A. Climate and Society) affords her the ability to leverage different geospatial techniques to draw meaningful insights and publish sector-specific outputs.
Abstract
Open-Source Climate Adaptation Decision Support Tools: Why they're imperative and tales from the field
It is extraordinarily clear that climate change is accelerating, the time to act is dwindling, and climate policies are underperforming in their ability to reduce emissions and prohibit unabated climate change. It is equally clear that Geospatial Data and Technology will play a vital and central role in identifying responses to the array of climate related challenges. In this scenario, the most vulnerable populations often lack tools and information necessary to mitigate the disastrous impacts of climate hazards on their lives and livelihoods and develop fact-based strategies for long-term adaptation. As the world experiences increasing extreme weather events and changes in climatic patterns, already vulnerable agrarian and agropastoral communities will bear the brunt of the impacts. Agricultural producers are confronting the climate crisis in real time, and individuals, communities and governments need reliable information to support decision making - farmers and farmer-cooperatives need to understand what adaptation options exist for their specific location and crop/livestock mix, businesses need support in understanding how changes in climate may impact their entire value chain, and governments and international cooperation actors must have a multidimensional view into the impacts of and countermeasures for the deepening climate crisis in their areas of interest. Open-source Climate Adaptation Decision Support Tools can provide much needed data points to help answer user specific questions. These Tools not only foster education and collaboration, they also allow users the agency to make data driven decisions. Locana has recently formed partnerships to build out two unique decision support tools. Our presentation will demonstrate how together we brought their ideas to life - the rationale behind the tools, what open-source solutions we used, as well as where the future lies for these types of tools. Within this, we'll deep-dive into what data is needed, how to automate data pipelines, the critical need for tailored analyses, and tech stacks for optimal reusability.
Alex Sweeney
Alex Sweeney
Senior Geospatial Data Analyst , Locana , USA
Alex Sweeney is a Senior Geospatial Data Analyst at Locana with a decade of experience in the climate, environmental remote sensing, and GIS fields. Her experience includes working with multivariate geospatial data ranging from satellite derived products, climate models, and ground-based observational data. She utilizes both open source and proprietary software for the acquisition, management, processing, and delivery of data. Her interdisciplinary background and foundation in climate science (B.S. Earth and Space Exploration, M.A. Climate and Society) affords her the ability to leverage different geospatial techniques to draw meaningful insights and publish sector-specific outputs.
Abstract
Open-Source Climate Adaptation Decision Support Tools: Why they're imperative and tales from the field
It is extraordinarily clear that climate change is accelerating, the time to act is dwindling, and climate policies are underperforming in their ability to reduce emissions and prohibit unabated climate change. It is equally clear that Geospatial Data and Technology will play a vital and central role in identifying responses to the array of climate related challenges. In this scenario, the most vulnerable populations often lack tools and information necessary to mitigate the disastrous impacts of climate hazards on their lives and livelihoods and develop fact-based strategies for long-term adaptation. As the world experiences increasing extreme weather events and changes in climatic patterns, already vulnerable agrarian and agropastoral communities will bear the brunt of the impacts. Agricultural producers are confronting the climate crisis in real time, and individuals, communities and governments need reliable information to support decision making - farmers and farmer-cooperatives need to understand what adaptation options exist for their specific location and crop/livestock mix, businesses need support in understanding how changes in climate may impact their entire value chain, and governments and international cooperation actors must have a multidimensional view into the impacts of and countermeasures for the deepening climate crisis in their areas of interest. Open-source Climate Adaptation Decision Support Tools can provide much needed data points to help answer user specific questions. These Tools not only foster education and collaboration, they also allow users the agency to make data driven decisions. Locana has recently formed partnerships to build out two unique decision support tools. Our presentation will demonstrate how together we brought their ideas to life - the rationale behind the tools, what open-source solutions we used, as well as where the future lies for these types of tools. Within this, we'll deep-dive into what data is needed, how to automate data pipelines, the critical need for tailored analyses, and tech stacks for optimal reusability.

Alex Sweeney is a Senior Geospatial Data Analyst at Locana with a decade of experience in the climate, environmental remote sensing, and GIS fields. Her experience includes working with multivariate geospatial data ranging from satellite derived products, climate models, and ground-based observational data. She utilizes both open source and proprietary software for the acquisition, management, processing, and delivery of data. Her interdisciplinary background and foundation in climate science (B.S. Earth and Space Exploration, M.A. Climate and Society) affords her the ability to leverage different geospatial techniques to draw meaningful insights and publish sector-specific outputs.
Abstract
Open-Source Climate Adaptation Decision Support Tools: Why they're imperative and tales from the field
It is extraordinarily clear that climate change is accelerating, the time to act is dwindling, and climate policies are underperforming in their ability to reduce emissions and prohibit unabated climate change. It is equally clear that Geospatial Data and Technology will play a vital and central role in identifying responses to the array of climate related challenges. In this scenario, the most vulnerable populations often lack tools and information necessary to mitigate the disastrous impacts of climate hazards on their lives and livelihoods and develop fact-based strategies for long-term adaptation. As the world experiences increasing extreme weather events and changes in climatic patterns, already vulnerable agrarian and agropastoral communities will bear the brunt of the impacts. Agricultural producers are confronting the climate crisis in real time, and individuals, communities and governments need reliable information to support decision making - farmers and farmer-cooperatives need to understand what adaptation options exist for their specific location and crop/livestock mix, businesses need support in understanding how changes in climate may impact their entire value chain, and governments and international cooperation actors must have a multidimensional view into the impacts of and countermeasures for the deepening climate crisis in their areas of interest. Open-source Climate Adaptation Decision Support Tools can provide much needed data points to help answer user specific questions. These Tools not only foster education and collaboration, they also allow users the agency to make data driven decisions. Locana has recently formed partnerships to build out two unique decision support tools. Our presentation will demonstrate how together we brought their ideas to life - the rationale behind the tools, what open-source solutions we used, as well as where the future lies for these types of tools. Within this, we'll deep-dive into what data is needed, how to automate data pipelines, the critical need for tailored analyses, and tech stacks for optimal reusability.
Senior Geospatial Data Analyst | Locana | USA
