GeoAI is a hot topic in the geospatial analysis world and an increasingly useful tool in environmental management. To help the USF, MSEM and broader academic and industry communities understand the latest innovation and applications of GeoAI, the USF Geospatial Analysis Lab (GsAL) recently co-hosted the seventh-annual GeoEducation Summit alongside the USF Department of Computer Science and BayGeo, a local non-profit for users of geospatial technology, people new to mapping, and GIS professionals. 

So, what is GeoAI?

GeoAI is the intersection of geospatial analysis and artificial intelligence, with enabling AI technologies that analyze and interpret spatial data like never before. From predicting environmental changes to optimizing urban planning, GeoAI is revolutionizing the way we understand and interact with our world.

This year’s GeoEducation Summit brought together industry leaders, academics, students, and practitioners to explore the transformative potential of GeoAI – with an emphasis on strategic development, framework building, and knowledge sharing across sectors.

Industry leaders, academics, students, and practitioners gathered at this year’s GeoEducation Summit, co-hosted by the USF GsAL, to explore the transformative potential of GeoAI
Industry leaders, academics, students, and practitioners gathered at this year’s GeoEducation Summit, co-hosted by the USF GsAL, to explore the transformative potential of GeoAI

Session Highlights

The day was filled with interesting insights and valuable networking opportunities, and the stand-out sessions included:

  • Earth Observation Foundation Models and Applications, featuring two panel discussions with experts from NASA JPL, Spatial Informatics Group, Development Seed, Clay Foundation, Earth Genome, and Oregon State University.
  • GeoAI Systems Thinking: In this conversation, Nandan Thor of Palo Alto Networks and Brookie Williams of The Eric & Wendy Schmidt Center for Data shared their perspectives on putting together pieces of the GeoAI puzzle.
  • Data Capture and Mainstreaming ML/DL into Geo: Speakers from Meta, ESRI, and NASA provided practical examples of how geospatial data and artificial intelligence are advancing together to improve accessibility, usability, and scalability of mapping applications.
  • Large Language Models and GeoAI: Like any AI tool, GeoAI applications are only as good as their training models, and experts from Google, McGill University, Spatial Informatics Group, and the University of San Francisco’s Computer Science department provided Summit participants with an inside look at how large language models (LLMs) are helping accelerate capabilities and drive adoption.
USF Professor David Saah, director of the GsAL, speaking at the GeoEducation Summit
USF Professor David Saah, director of the GsAL, speaking at the GeoEducation Summit

The energy level was high throughout the day, and attendees walked away from the Summit with a better understanding of trends and advancements in GeoAI, new and deeper connections with experts and peers across the geospatial and GIS field, and fresh excitement about the opportunity to help shape the future of GeoAI technology. For additional information about the Summit or the ongoing work happening in the GsAL, please contact gsal@usfca.edu.

Also, be sure to check out information on the GIS Certificate available to students enrolled in the MSEM program, and our Geospatial Science Professional Certificate open to all USF and non-USFcommunity members.

A few of our favorite photos, capturing the magic of the day and this community…