Mapping Leaders Forum 2024

Arriving IMIA members joined for a field trip to the facilities of the US Geological Survey. This optional trip included round-trip transportation from downtown Denver to the Federal Center campus in Lakewood, Colorado. Participants enjoyed two 45-minute guided tours:

Core Research Center — USGS scientists guided us through several rooms and labs with rock cores on display and allowed us to walk through the massive USGS warehouse facility.
Ice Core Facility — A presentation from the National Science Foundation (NSF) was followed by a walk-through of the “Ice Rooms” where core samples from Antarctica are kept where temperatures dip to -40° F!
Venue: USGS Building 810 | Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, Colorado

The 2024 IMIA Mapping Leaders Forum was an immersive and insightful event, featuring the keynote address by esteemed International Cartographic Association (ICA) President, Georg Gartner. Gartner’s expertise and visionary perspectives set the tone for the forum, inspiring attendees with a focus on building trust across the global mapping community. Educational presentations focused on cutting-edge mapping methodologies, emerging trends, and innovative applications. Engaging panel discussions provided a platform for thought leaders and experts to exchange ideas, address challenges, and envision the future of mapping. As the day concluded, attendees gathered for an evening cocktail reception, providing a relaxed atmosphere for further discussions and relationship-building.

Forum Day 2 was marked by extended presentations and panel discussions, featuring Premier Sponsor Esri. Industry leaders provided valuable insights into the latest advancements and applications of GIS. Attendees had the unique opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, gaining a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape in the mapping industry. The Trading Post Backyard provided a stunning atmosphere for the evening cocktail reception.

As a special treat, a limited number of tickets was available for the evening’s Brit Floyd concert, allowing participants to unwind and enjoy a world-class musical performance in the breathtaking surroundings of Red Rocks.

The afternoon concluded with an active workshop among attendees and presenters. IMIA board and committee leaders facilitated breakout groups to discuss and prioritize key elements of the Map Industry that deserve and require the highest standard of trust. Key areas of focus included: Branding, Data, Partnerships, and Products. Similar to our workshop and discussions on Ethics in Cartography, we endeavored to define the hard-to-define and share our observations with the global community. Together, we contributed IMIA’s voice and recommendations to our industry and advanced the growing initiatives of the International Cartographic Association (ICA).