From August 14-16th, 2024 I had the privilege of attending the 31st International Geoinformatics Conference in the vibrant City of Toronto, Canada. As someone who is deeply passionate about geography, GIS, and technology, this event was not just a professional engagement but a journey of learning, networking, and inspiration.
This was my first time attending and presenting at an international conference which made the experience even more meaningful. Just two weeks after successfully defending my MSc thesis, I had the opportunity to present a segment of my thesis research work in front of a large audience of GIS scientists, a moment that was both challenging and exciting. The presentation was about the integration of Machine Learning techniques with spatial multicriteria evaluation for the application in urban suitability analysis. Particularly I was very pleased that on the day I joined the conference, the first paper from my thesis research work, co-authored with Alysha Van Duynhoven and Dr. Suzana Dragicevic, has been just published in the Land journal.
The feedback I received on my presentation was invaluable, and it was an honour to meet and learn from professors who are pioneers in the field of geoinformatics, GIS, RS and geomatics. Listening to their presentations offered new insights and sparked ideas that I am eager to explore further. As the conference progressed, I was particularly drawn to sessions on remote sensing and its applications in environmental monitoring. The presenters shared case studies demonstrating the power of satellite imagery in tracking deforestation and monitoring agricultural activities, and natural disasters. These discussions were eye-opening, underscoring the role of technology in protecting our planet and shaping a sustainable future.
Networking was a central part of this conference. Whether during coffee breaks, poster sessions, or hallway conversations, I found myself engaging with professionals from various backgrounds. These interactions were inspirational, providing opportunities to exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, and gain new perspectives. I also had the pleasure of joining a dinner boat cruise, which allowed me to enjoy the city scenery of Toronto and watch the sunset on Lake Ontario. It was a perfect way to unwind and take in the beauty of the city after the intense learning sessions.
Overall, my time at the Geoinformatics Conference in Toronto was a significant and memorable experience. The knowledge I gained, the connections I made, and the inspiration I found will undoubtedly shape my future work in the field. I look forward to continuing my graduate studies at the University of Waterloo. I am using this opportunity to express my gratitude to Simon Fraser University for supporting my attendance and presentation at this conference through the Travel and Research Award (TARA). Finally, but not lastly, I am also deeply appreciative of the guidance and support from my supervisor, Dr. Suzana Dragicevic and my colleagues from the Spatial Analysis and Modeling Lab at SFU.