DDGI News

8th German GeoForum – a digital success!

On November 25, 2020 the German Umbrella Organization for Geo-Information (DDGI) organized its yearly conference – the German GeoForum – the first time in a digital format. Although the new virtual format could not replace the social contacts of a face-to-face event, this year’s GeoForum was again a great success. To ease the switch to a digital location, the new conference format offered a virtual “conference hotel” including a reception, a foyer, a main lecture room and 8 meeting rooms. DDGI received 255 registerions already prior to the conference.

The conference was opened by an inspiring keynote lecture, held by Prof. Dr. Ralph Watzel, President of the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), who addressed the challenges of FAIR and sustainable geo-information management in geo-sciences.

The topics discussed during the four conference sessions ranged from “earth observation / Copernicus data and service platforms for climate protection and sustainability” and “energy industry, securing raw materials and artificial intelligence“ via “mobility of the future – autonomous means of transport / infrastructure” up to “future professional fields in the geospatial sector and the requirements for training and the recruitment of skilled workers”.

All sessions led to intense discussions and promising plans for follow-up activities.  

All presentation can be found here (in German)