The Scottish geospatial community is set to benefit from a new fringe events programme launched by The Data Lab, Scotland’s Innovation Centre for Data and AI. This initiative aims to highlight the significant contributions of geospatial data to various sectors and foster greater awareness and understanding of its applications. The programme, which includes a series of in-person events and webinars, will be hosted by prominent partners such as NatureScot, the University of Edinburgh, and the Association for Geographic Information. The events will kick off on August 7th at the University of Edinburgh’s Bayes Centre.
A Boost for Geospatial Awareness
The launch of the Geospatial Fringe programme marks a significant step towards increasing the visibility of geospatial data in Scotland. The Data Lab has been instrumental in connecting its community of over 5,000 members to numerous events and job opportunities since its inception in 2021. This new initiative is a response to the growing interest in geospatial data across the UK, which is ranked second globally for its geospatial readiness and capability.
Geospatial data, often referred to as location-based data, is integral to many aspects of daily life, from delivery tracking to weather forecasting. Despite its widespread use, there is still a lack of awareness about its potential applications. The Geospatial Fringe programme aims to bridge this gap by showcasing the innovative work being done by organisations and communities within this ecosystem.
Fairlie Kirkpatrick Baird, a Data Analyst at NatureScot and host of the event on Mapping Resilient Landscapes, emphasized the importance of geospatial data in addressing climate change. She stated, “Mapping resilient landscapes supports conservation strategies such as 30×30, safeguarding 30% of the UK’s land by 2030. By realizing the potential of geospatial data, we can manage land and water to increase climate resilience and conserve biological diversity.”
Highlighting Innovation and Sustainability
The Geospatial Fringe programme will feature a variety of events designed to highlight the innovative uses of geospatial data in different sectors. One such event, hosted by Lingsay Wong, Founder of Covalence Future and Dundee Data Meetup organiser, will focus on Urban Innovation and Heritage. Wong believes that sustainability and technology are closely linked and that harnessing geospatial data can drive innovation towards a sustainable future.
The Dundee Data Meetup aims to foster an inclusive community of data enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. Wong expressed excitement about the upcoming event, stating, “We’re looking forward to igniting curiosity and sparking ideas on the power of geospatial data at our Geospatial Fringe event next month.”
Paul McMillan, Community & Events Programme Manager at The Data Lab, highlighted the massive potential of geospatial applications. He noted that a lack of awareness is currently hindering their wide adoption across different sectors. “It is crucial to raise awareness about the countless opportunities they offer in order to fuel the growth of the nation’s geospatial market and benefit our economy and society,” McMillan said.
The Future of Geospatial Data in Scotland
The Geospatial Fringe programme is not just about raising awareness; it is also about fostering collaboration and innovation within the geospatial community. By bringing together experts, enthusiasts, and organisations, the programme aims to create a platform for sharing knowledge and ideas. This collaborative approach is expected to drive the development and adoption of geospatial technologies in Scotland and beyond.
The UK’s leadership in international conversations on geospatial data, including its support for the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management, underscores the importance of this field. Scotland, with its high demand for geospatial skills, particularly in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, is well-positioned to lead the way in this sector.
The Data Lab’s initiative is a timely response to the growing interest in geospatial data and its applications. By highlighting the great work being done within the Scottish geospatial community, the Geospatial Fringe programme promises to inspire and engage a wider audience, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of this vital sector.
