DGI 2025
10 - 12 February, 2025
Queen Elizabeth II Centre, London
Focus Day - January 20
Modernising Foundation Geospatial Data
7:45 am - 8:45 am
Registration, Networking and Coffee
8:45 am - 8:50 am
Organiser’s Welcome - Tom Webber, Director, DGI
8:50 am - 9:00 am
Opening Remarks
Colonel Roly Cockwell -
Joint User C4ISR GEOINT,
UK STRATCOM
9:00 am - 9:20 am
Guest Keynote with Live Polling – How to Create Appropriate Foundation Geospatial Data to Assist Operations
Vanessa Lawrence -
Geospatial Strategy Advisor,
.
· What does good foundation geospatial data look like?
· What are the key drivers for modernising your foundation geospatial data without delay?
· How foundation geospatial data can transform civilian and military mission outcomes
· How can you collaborate with industry to modernise foundation geospatial data?
9:20 am - 9:40 am
US Marine Corps Keynote – What do Mission Commanders Really Need from Geospatial Intelligence in Modern Operations?
D. Guy Jordan -
Assistant Director of Intelligence,
Headquarters US Marine Corps
· What do mission commanders need from geospatial intelligence today?
· What are the lessons learned from recent operations in the use of geospatial intelligence that can be improved upon
· Which processes need to be revisited to ensure commanders receive better geospatial intelligence?
· What are the enabling capabilities and technologies for the future of geospatial intelligence?
9:40 am - 10:00 am
UK DGC Keynote – Automation and Foundation GEOINT: Evolution or Revolution?
Ian Spencer -
Director, Defence Geographic Centre,
National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence, UK MoD
· How are the demands on mission intelligence evolving?
· How can modernisation of foundation geospatial data lead to better mission intelligence?
· How to achieve better alignment between foundation geospatial data strategy and anticipated demands on geospatial intelligence
· 3 ways you can improve interoperability and exchange of geospatial data for improved collaboration in future missions
Ian Spencer
Director, Defence Geographic CentreNational Centre for Geospatial Intelligence, UK MoD
10:00 am - 10:20 am
US Army Keynote – How GEOINT Provide the Foundation that Enables the Six Current Army Modernization Priorities
Gary Blohm -
Director,
US Army Geospatial Center
· Latest updates and priorities from the US Army Geospatial Center
· How the US Army is improving the collection and validation of geospatial requirements in support of new policy
· Planned high-priority investments in new capabilities over the coming years
· Vision for enhanced synchronisation and collaboration
10:20 am - 11:00 am
SME Discussion with Live Polling – How Can You Successfully Merge Classified and Unclassified Sources in Your Global Map to Deliver A More Accurate Common Operational Picture?
Jim Hill -
Research Engineer,
Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers
Bret Rodgers -
Subject Matter Expert, Human Geography, Geospatial Intelligence Division,
Marine Corps Intelligence Activity
Agnieszka Lukaszczyk -
Senior Director for European Affairs,
PLANET LABS
Ian Spencer -
Director, Defence Geographic Centre,
National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence, UK MoD
· Why is it so critical to continuously improve the common operational picture as increasingly more geospatial data becomes available?
· What are the key challenges facing intelligence leaders responsible for fusing classified and unclassified geospatial data and how are they being addressed?
· What role can technology play in improving the fusion of geospatial data to enrich intelligence?
· How to collaborate with international partners to improve the common operational picture
Jim Hill
Research EngineerEngineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers
Bret Rodgers
Subject Matter Expert, Human Geography, Geospatial Intelligence DivisionMarine Corps Intelligence Activity
Ian Spencer
Director, Defence Geographic CentreNational Centre for Geospatial Intelligence, UK MoD
11:00 am - 11:40 am
Morning Networking Break
11:40 am - 12:00 pm
Guest Keynote – Bringing in Economics: Opportunities and Challenges for the GEOINT Enterprise
Anthony Vinci -
Technology Leader, Bridgewater Associates and Former Chief Technology Officer,
National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA)
· Why does economics have greater relevance for modern-day defence and security?
· How can a better understanding of economics impact your GEOINT strategy?
· How to effectively apply analysis of economics in the GEOINT exploitation process
· Which industry partners can help you integrate economic data alongside other sources to enrich your GEOINT?
Anthony Vinci
Technology Leader, Bridgewater Associates and Former Chief Technology OfficerNational Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA)
12:00 pm - 12:20 pm
Innovation Keynote – How to Effectively Deploy GEOINT Innovation Within Your Current Mission Architecture
Krishin Asnani -
Director of Business Development,
BAE Systems Geospatial eXploitation Products (GXP)
· How to address the exponential increase in geospatial data
· How can continual innovation in machine learning, artificial intelligence and advanced analytics help?
· What are the specific benefits of automated extraction in the delivery of more effective geospatial intelligence
· New insight into the successful implementation of advanced geospatial data management across multiple security enclaves while enabling enhanced cross-community collaboration
Krishin Asnani
Director of Business DevelopmentBAE Systems Geospatial eXploitation Products (GXP)
12:20 pm - 1:00 pm
Panel Discussion with Live Polling – What Do You Need in Place to Sustain the Collection and Delivery of High Quality Foundation Geospatial Data?
Dr. Debbie Fugate -
Deputy Director,
National Geospatial Program, United States Geological Survey
Bill Goetz -
Director of Source Foundation,
NGA
Wend Williamson -
Assistant Director, Foundation,
Defence Geographic Centre, NCGI, UK MoD
Major Denise Sweet -
Deputy Commanding Officer Mapping and Charting Establishment,
Commander Canadian Forces Intelligence Group , Canadian Armed Forces
Patrick A. Blott -
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer,
Intermap Technologies Corp and Intermap Federal Services Corp
Al Di Leonardo -
Co-Ceo,
Black Cape
· How to develop the right organisational structure and teams to continuously improve collection and production of high-quality foundation geospatial data
· Which process improvements can genuinely transform the quality of your foundation geospatial data?
· Top tools and technologies to help you enhance the quality of your foundation geospatial data
· How can you collaborate with government and industry partners to modernise foundation geospatial data in new and more effective ways?
Dr. Debbie Fugate
Deputy DirectorNational Geospatial Program, United States Geological Survey
Major Denise Sweet
Deputy Commanding Officer Mapping and Charting EstablishmentCommander Canadian Forces Intelligence Group , Canadian Armed Forces
Patrick A. Blott
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive OfficerIntermap Technologies Corp and Intermap Federal Services Corp
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Networking Lunch Break
TRACKS
Room - Westbourne 3
Track A - Leveraging Commercial Innovation
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm Practitioner Case Study – Why Can’t We Leverage Commercial Partnerships whilst Retaining Control Over Quality and Process Management? Wend Williamson - Assistant Director, Foundation, Defence Geographic Centre, NCGI, UK MoDTrack A - Leveraging Commercial Innovation
2:20 pm - 3:00 pm Panel Discussion with Live Polling – How to Successfully Outsource Geospatial Intelligence Processes and Leverage Commercial Innovation in Novel Ways Colonel Roly Cockwell - Joint User C4ISR GEOINT, UK STRATCOM George O’Hanian - Branch Chief, Military Engineering and Survey Support, US Army Geospatial Center (AGC) Jon Lipinski - President, Ecopia Wend Williamson - Assistant Director, Foundation, Defence Geographic Centre, NCGI, UK MoDGeorge O’Hanian
Branch Chief, Military Engineering and Survey SupportUS Army Geospatial Center (AGC)
Track A - Leveraging Commercial Innovation
3:00 pm - 3:20 pm Innovation Case Study – How to Enrich Your Geospatial Data for Advanced Mapping Capabilities Raviv Brueller - Chief Executive Officer, Eternix· What are the major mapping and charting initiatives currently underway in the Nordic region?
· How have commercial partners enabled faster progress mapping and charting large areas of the Nordic region?
· Lesson learned from collaborating and delivering new mapping and charting capabilities
· What will be the model for future public-private partnerships in the Nordic region?
Raviv Brueller
Chief Executive OfficerEternix
Track A - Leveraging Commercial Innovation
3:20 pm - 4:00 pm Fireside Chat with Live Polling – How can Public-Private Partnerships be Improved to Help Modernise Foundation Geospatial Data in the Future? Anthony Vinci - Technology Leader, Bridgewater Associates and Former Chief Technology Officer, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) Ryan Lewis - General Manager, SpaceNet John Beckner - Founder and CEO, Horizon Technologies· How to engage new suppliers in deeper partnerships from the outset
· What are the key benefits of improving public-private partnerships for all parties?
· 5 examples of successful public-private partnerships you can adapt lessons from for your organisation
· How to build the case for greater investment in your public-private partnerships
Anthony Vinci
Technology Leader, Bridgewater Associates and Former Chief Technology OfficerNational Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA)
Room - Westbourne 4
Track B - Applying Automation, AI and ML
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm AI Case Study– AI Solutions to the Geospatial Data Tsunami Dr (Lt Colonel ret’d) Michael Thomas - Professor of Cyberwarfare Studies, US Air War College· How has decision making evolved since AI and ML techniques have become more commonplace?
· What are the key questions that need answering in modern intelligence missions?
· How to develop a robust system that keeps the human in the loop
· Emerging technologies that can support future human-machine interaction
Track B - Applying Automation, AI and ML
2:20 pm - 2:40 pm Innovation Case Study – Leveraging Automation in Foundation Production to be Mission Responsive Randall Billy - National Mapping Team International Government Business Development, Esri· Why are agencies increasingly looking to automate map production?
· Who will benefit most from greater automation of foundation production?
· How GIS now provides powerful capabilities to support modernisation of foundation geospatial data
· How can techniques such as AI and ML help facilitate change detection and automated feature extraction in 2D and 3D
Track B - Applying Automation, AI and ML
2:40 pm - 3:00 pm Practitioner Case Study – Lessons Learned Deploying Actionable AI for Defence & Intelligence CustomersAI is hard and misleading. Proofs of concept are easy, achieving operational performances at scale is extremely demanding. In this presentation Earthcube will share insights on how the company tackles this multi-dimensional challenge and both the tools and tradecraft required to achieve it.AI is hard and misleading. Proofs of concept are easy, achieving operational performances at scale is extremely demanding. In this presentation Earthcube will share insights on how the company tackles this multi-dimensional challenge and both the tools and tradecraft required to achieve it.
Track B - Applying Automation, AI and ML
3:00 pm - 3:20 pm Innovation Case Study – How to Apply Machine Learning and Gain Information and Mission Advantages in the Maritime Domain Dr. Uwe Jasnoch - Vice President Business Development, Geospatial Division, Hexagon· How to use historic data to find anomalies in patterns-of-life behavior
· How to add additional data sources to validate anomaly behavior
· Effectively using deep learning and other machine learning tools to fuse and analyse data sources
· How to analyse and simulate alternatives for counteraction based on multi-option analytics
Track B - Applying Automation, AI and ML
3:20 pm - 4:00 pm Panel Discussion with Live Polling – How can You Assign Accountability and Responsibility When Applying AI and ML to Transform Your Foundation Geospatial Data? Andrew Page - Assistant Chief of Staff, Communication Information Systems, NATO HQ Dr (Lt Colonel ret’d) Michael Thomas - Professor of Cyberwarfare Studies, US Air War College Michaela Mesquite - NGA Partner Engagement Officer for Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Augmentation (AAA), NGA Ian Spencer - Director, Defence Geographic Centre, National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence, UK MoD· How do accountability and responsibility change in man-machine environments?
· How to strike the best balance between human and machine activities when modernising your foundation geospatial data?
· How to adapt your existing organisational structure and culture to ensure there is the right level of accountability and responsibility as AI and ML become more commonplace
· What to look for from providers of AI and ML enabled tools
Michaela Mesquite
NGA Partner Engagement Officer for Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Augmentation (AAA)NGA
Ian Spencer
Director, Defence Geographic CentreNational Centre for Geospatial Intelligence, UK MoD
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Afternoon Networking Coffee Break
Streams
Room - Westbourne 3 and 4
Innovation in Foundation Geospatial Data
4:30 pm - 4:50 pm AI Keynote– AI Solutions to the Geospatial Data Tsunami Dr (Lt Colonel ret’d) Michael Thomas - Professor of Cyberwarfare Studies, US Air War CollegeInnovation in Foundation Geospatial Data
4:50 pm - 5:10 pm UK Keynote– How is the UK Enhancing Exploitation and Analysis of Geospatial Data in Support of Future Missions? Lt Colonel Richard Blunt - Commander, Royal Engineers (Geographic), National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI), UK MoD
Lt Colonel Richard Blunt
Commander, Royal Engineers (Geographic)National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI), UK MoD
Innovation in Foundation Geospatial Data
4:50 pm - 5:10 pm Innovation Keynote – Enhancing your Geospatial Innovation Ecosystem with Mapbox to Continuously Improve your Geospatial Intelligence Capability Anthony Calamito - Director, Government Solutions, Mapbox
Innovation in Foundation Geospatial Data
5:10 pm - 5:50 pm Panel Discussion with Live Polling - How Can You Drive Innovation in the Modernisation of Foundation Geospatial Data? Christy Monaco - Director of the Office of Innovation, NGA Lt Colonel Richard Blunt - Commander, Royal Engineers (Geographic), National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI), UK MoD Alvaro Rodriguez - Deputy Head of Operations, EU Satellite Centre (EUSATCEN) Andrew Page - Assistant Chief of Staff, Communication Information Systems, NATO HQ· How to find a common definition of innovation everyone can work towards inside and outside your organisation
· What types of innovation will help sustain the modernisation of your foundation geospatial data?
· How to find innovation champions who can accelerate and support relevant initiatives
· How can greater international cooperating help you become more innovative?
Lt Colonel Richard Blunt
Commander, Royal Engineers (Geographic)National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI), UK MoD
Room - Oak 3
Leadership Workshop
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Interactive Workshop – Succeeding in GEOINT with Component-Based Architectures Lynwood Bishop - Chief Executive Officer, MapLarge
5:50 pm - 6:00 pm
Chair’s Closing Remarks
Colonel Roly Cockwell -
Joint User C4ISR GEOINT,
UK STRATCOM
6:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Grand Opening of the Exhibition and Drinks Reception
Room – New Kings Room