UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Libraries will observe GIS Day — an annual event celebrating the technology of geographic information systems (GIS) — with sessions on Nov. 18 and a trivia event on Nov. 19. This year’s activities focus on geospatial presentation, networking opportunities and student engagement. With a theme relating to 2024 Geography Awareness Week: Geographers Take Action, the sessions explore the contributions of geographers.

The event will conclude the following evening with an interactive trivia game featuring questions on maps and GIS.

All are welcome to attend, as both new and current users of geospatial information are encouraged to participate in activities. These events are free and open to the public.

Complete information on speakers is available at the Penn State GIS Day website. Session times are aimed toward alignment with class meeting times in order for instructors to incorporate into class sessions.

This event is co-sponsored by the Penn State Department of Geography and the University Libraries. For more information, contact Tara Anthony at tll38@psu.edu.

Schedule

Monday, Nov. 18

11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m.,102 Foster Auditorium Paterno Library or Zoom (Zoom registration)

Lightning Talks

Presenters:

• 11:20–11:30 a.m.: Robert Phillips, Ayo Oluwalana and Michael Spinelli, Penn State Office of Physical Plant.

• 11:30–11:35 a.m.: Arlo Nemerson, undergraduate student and GeoGraphics Lab cartographer, Department of Geography. “Client Collaboration and GIS in the GeoGraphics Lab: Mapping a Disc Golf Course”

• 11:35–11:40 a.m.: Yue Hao, doctoral student in informatics, College of Information Sciences and Technology. “Supporting Spatial Analysis with Machine Guidance”

• 11:40–11:45 a.m.: Temitope Ezekiel Akinboyewa, doctoral student, Geoinformation and Big Data Research Lab (GIBD), Department of Geography. “GIS Copilot: Towards an Autonomous GIS Agent for Spatial Analysis”

• 11:45–11:50 a.m.: Huan Ning, doctoral student, Geoinformation and Big Data Research Lab (GIBD), Department of Geography. “Estimating Hourly Neighborhood Population Using Mobile Phone Data”

• 11:50–11:55 a.m.: Mohammad Naser Lessani, doctoral student, Geoinformation and Big Data Research Lab (GIBD), Department of Geography. “Enhancing the Computational Efficiency of Similarity and Geographically Weighted Regression Model Using Message Passing Interface”

• 11:55 a.m.–Noon: Arturo Moreno, master of professional studies (M.P.S.) student in geodesign. “The Tren Maya: A Least-Cost Path Analysis”

1:30–2 p.m., 102 Foster Auditorium Paterno Library or Zoom (Zoom registration)

Keynote Presentation — Brendan Wesdock, “There’s a Map for That!”

Brendan Wesdock is a strategic adviser and innovation leader working with various geospatial companies and government agencies. Wesdock holds a bachelor of science degree in geography from Penn State and is a certified geographic information systems professional (GISP). A frequent speaker at industry events, Wesdock is highly regarded for his insights into geospatial innovation and has been a significant contributor to industry publications and initiatives.

About the talk: The geospatial industry is being revolutionized by cutting-edge technologies that are enhancing how spatial data is captured, analyzed and applied. This presentation explores key advancements, including the collection and application of high-resolution satellite imagery, drones and LiDAR for detailed 3D and HD mapping. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are automating data processing and enabling real-time insights across industries like infrastructure, urban planning and disaster management. Additionally, cloud computing, big data analytics and the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) devices are driving collaboration and innovation, allowing for large-scale data sharing and real-time monitoring. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how these technologies are shaping the future of geospatial science and its practical applications.

2–3 p.m., 102 Foster Auditorium Paterno Library or Zoom (Zoom registration)

Lightning Talks

Presenters:

• 2–2:05 p.m.: Steve Chichester, senior strategy and innovation officer, Penn State Outreach. “The Community Impact Map: A Showcase of Penn State’s Collective Outreach and Community Engagement Efforts” 

• 2:05–2:10 p.m.: Dave McLaughlin, geospatial data visualization software engineer, Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences. “Are You Mappier than a 5th Grader?” 

• 2:10–2:15 p.m.: Tristian C. Schmidt, undergraduate student, political science, and maps and geospatial assistant, Penn State Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information. “The Geography of Governance: PolicyMap in Political Analysis” 

• 2:15–2:20 p.m.: Zhenlong Li, associate professor, Geoinformation and Big Data Research Lab (GIBD), Department of Geography. “Harnessing Geospatial Big Data and AI for GIScience Innovations”

• 2:20–2:30 p.m.: Patric Harrington, master of geographic information systems (M.G.I.S.) student, Online Geospatial Program. “Identifying Critical Nodes within a Critical Infrastructure Network” 

• 2:30–2:35 p.m.: Chelsea Nestel, postdoctoral research associate, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, and Penn State alumna. “Mapping Racism and Resistance in Milwaukee: Data Challenges and Opportunities”

• 2:35–2:40 p.m.: Doug Miller, research professor emeritus, landscape science and informatics, Departments of Geography and Ecosystem Science and Management. “Early Remote Sensing Research at Penn State”  

• 2:40–2:45 p.m.: Adrienne Goldsberry, Beth King and Michelle Zeiders, Online Geospatial Education Program, Department of Geography. “25 Years of Online Geospatial Education at Penn State”

• 2:45–2:50 p.m.: Tara Anthony, GIS specialist, Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information. “Snapshots of Maps and Geospatial Web Presence at the University Libraries”

4–5:30 p.m., 229 Walker Building (Knight Laboratory)

Geography Reception and GeoGraphics Lab Open House

Light appetizers will be served. Guests will be introduced to the lab space, where there will be several activities and maps to explore.

Tuesday, Nov. 19

6:30–8:30 p.m., 124 Walker Building or Zoom (Zoom Link)

Maps and Geospatial Trivia

Test your maps and geospatial knowledge with an interactive trivia game featuring geography, maps and GIS trivia questions!