I’m sitting in the Gaslamp building today’s GISuser news updates and absorbing all the news, announcements, and cool geo technology being shared at this, the World’s largest gathering of Geo Technology users and professionals – ESRIUC.
As always, it truly is an inspirational and motivating week for all in attendance! I think what I’ve really embraced this year is the first message that we all receive from Jack [Dangermond] and to meet new people, make friends, and share – that really is what this week-long event is all about. Oh, and there’s loads of really cool technology too! First and foremost, ArcGIS at 10.2 is the star here this week – you users can expect 10.2 to officially roll out within a couple of weeks. Supporting 10.2 are some great solutions, all on display here at the show, and many being announced below.
HOT topics that solution providers are chasing (and showing off on the exhibition floor) may sound familiar to you, the Cloud (indeed a focus here and reinforced by the large supporting presence here this year from Amazon), Mobile – in particular mobile data collection, LiDAR, oh, and let’s not forget about ArcGIS.com which most of you will be using in your workflows soon if you aren’t already doing so. ArcGIS.com is really about sharing when you think about it and something that really struck a cord here with many was a statement from Sam Pitroda, advisor to the PM of India, in the opening plenary. Pitroda commented, “Information is power that nobody wants to share”. This in reference to India and their effort to connect some 250,000 local governments with a new fiber network – WOW! The challenges that India faces are staggering and they are turning to GIS and Geo professionals as part of the solution – a truly remarkable story. Also remarkable this week was Will.i.am (see image below) talking about his I Am Angel foundation which helps inner city youth empower themselves and their communities through STEM education and Geo technology… truly inspirational. Well, I’m off to the exhibition hall floor to meet with more technologists and see for myself where GIS is headed as we steamroll through 2013.
You can find me on the conference hashtag at #esriuc