Esri User Conference 2022: 5 Must-Attend Sessions + Bonus Tips

After running as an entirely virtual event for the past two years, the Esri User Conference is back as an in-person event in 2022. Happening from July 11-15, GIS professionals from around the world will gather at the world's largest GIS conference in beautiful San Diego, California. To make up for two years of lost in-person social interaction, Esri User Conference 2022 will reconnect GIS professionals in a spectacular fashion. Here are some highlights of the upcoming conference: 

• 5 full days of learning and activities
• 100+ educational speaking sessions
• 20,000+ GIS professionals attending

With so many sessions on the agenda, it can be overwhelming to pick out the few that will bring you the most value. To help you out, the team at Ecopia compiled a list of sessions that we believe are relevant to the current and future discourse in the geospatial industry. While Ecopia is not involved in all of these presentations, we have included representative examples of our work surrounding these use-cases.

Of course, the sessions on this list are by no means the only sessions you should attend. The best way to enjoy Esri User Conference 2022 is by customizing your agenda and building your schedule around events that bring you the most interest.‍

Must-Attend Sessions at the Esri UC 2022

GIS Analytics for Flood and Water Resources

When: Tuesday, July 12. 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm. Room 29A

In response to the pandemic-induced economic fallout, the American Rescue Plan includes a $360 billion allocation of funds to state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to focus on economic recovery and address climate change.

The inclusion of water and sewer projects in this plan clearly indicates the federal government's support of the planning and assessment of water infrastructure. Advanced data is needed to drive critical decisions to utilize allocated funding to improve existing infrastructure. This session will reveal how GIS analytics and deep learning can be leveraged for flood damage detection and real-time observations of water resources.

Spatial Analysis for Safety Critical Applications

When: Wednesday, July 13. 8:30 am - 9:30 am. Room 26B

According to the Department of Transportation, an estimated 42,915 Americans lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in 2021. The National Roadway Strategy was created to assess and improve the safety of motorists and pedestrians on American roadways.

The use of GIS data is fundamental to roadway safety applications. Municipalities within California and across the nation are turning to advanced mapping technology to enhance road safety and Vision Zero efforts based on data-driven decisions. This session contains two presentations exploring how GIS technologies will help lead to safer roadways by empowering stakeholders to solve safety critical questions.

Address Data Management for Emergency Communications

When: Wednesday, July 12. 8:30 am - 9:30 am. Room 29A

Across the country, there is a growing shift towards upgrading public safety systems and processes to match the needs of fast-growing communities and changing technological standards. Having timely, accurate location data can be the difference between life and death.

As more and more Emergency Communications Centers and Public Safety Access Points (PSAPs) across the US switch from traditional analog technologies to digital systems, the foundational location data for Next-Generation 911 (NG911) is critical for the movement's success. This session will discuss how agencies use advanced technology to manage their address data for NG911.

‍Precision Conservation Planning with 3D and Field Engineering

When: Wednesday, July 13. 10 am - 11 am. Room 25A

Conservation efforts in the 21st century require high-precision context and understanding. For example, government agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have taken steps to leverage advanced AI-based mapping systems to empower data-driven decisions when it comes to coastal mapping, climate change mitigation, and other environmental applications.

To develop a complete understanding of the complex dynamics of conservation efforts, stakeholders and decision-makers will be required to integrate existing data into a digital twin. This session will explore innovations in visualization and integration strategies to advance conservation planning at scale.

Partner Presentation by Ecopia AI: Nationwide High-Precision 3D Vector Data to Support Critical Decision Making

When: Wednesday, July 13. 10 am - 10:30 am

Join Ecopia to learn about how our journey to digitize the world using AI has facilitated the delivery of ground-truth vector data for critical decision-makers that operate at regional, state, and national scales.

This presentation will focus on the utility of off-the-shelf vector data as a source of information to support public sector agencies and mission-critical decision-making. Ecopia’s high-precision 3D vector map of the entire United States is derived from 6” and 12” resolution stereo aerial imagery. The resulting map, 3D Nationwide Landcover, will offer a highly accurate digital representation of every building, road, bridge, railway, driveway, sidewalk, parking lot, swimming pool, sports field, waterbody, forest, grassland, bare land, and paved area - across the entire country, and all with the accuracy of a GIS professional.

Ecopia’s 3D Nationwide Landcover will be made readily available as an off-the-shelf product, offering highly accurate foundational data for critical decision-making applications including flood modelling & stormwater analysis, insurance risk assessment, and transportation engineering.

Keep the learning going at the conference Expo

Apart from attending learning sessions, make sure you plan out some time to check out the conference Expo. Hundreds of vendors and organizations will showcase their latest innovations in an interactive and personal setting.

Ecopia AI is a proud sponsor and exhibitor at the Esri User Conference 2022. We are excited to share how we leverage advanced AI-based mapping systems to mine geospatial data and create high-precision mapping data, empowering data-driven decision-making across governments, businesses, and humanitarian organizations. Come by booth 1119 to meet our team, learn more about the role of AI in geospatial data, and pick up some cool swag. Don't forget to ask us about the exclusive Rooftop Launch Party, presented by Ecopia AI and Hexagon.

Remember to have some fun (hint: attend the Rooftop Launch Party!)

Amidst all the learning and networking, the Esri User Conference 2022 can feel like an exhausting sprint. It is important to take a step back at the right time and enjoy some of the more relaxing activities that the conference offers. 

There are an array of fun events within the conference, providing attendees with an opportunity to focus on mind and body, including a 5k Fun Run/Walk, Morning Yoga, and the Esri Science Symposium.

Rooftop Launch Party, presented by Ecopia AI and Hexagon, is the event for those looking to unwind after conference hours. A live DJ will be on location to bring the energy, while party guests will be treated to delicious food and drinks at the iconic Pendry San Diego Pool House on Wednesday, July 13, from 7-10 pm.

Spots are limited for this exclusive event. Make sure to register for the guest list ahead of time or visit the Ecopia AI booth at the conference to learn more.

Most importantly, the host city of San Diego boasts gorgeous weather with tons of options for activities and exploration.

Here's wishing everyone a productive and fun time at the Esri User Conference 2022. See you in San Diego!