GIS-Pro 2026

As the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) nears the full implementation of the modernized National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), the transition from legacy datums like NAD 83 and NAVD 88 to time-dependent, geopotential-based frames, like NATRF2022 and NAPGD2022, presents a significant shift for the GIS community. While the theoretical foundations are established, the practical success of this transition depends on the readiness of the hardware, software and workflows used by the community.

This panel session brings together leading geospatial hardware and software vendors alongside representatives from the open-source community to discuss the technical roadmap for NSRS integration. Panelists will move beyond theory to address how they are updating commercial-off-the-shelf platforms, field collection hardware, and open-source libraries to support State Plane Coordinate System of 2022, time-dependent coordinates, coordinate transformations and the elimination of the U.S. Survey Foot.

Keywords: datum, NSRS, NGS, data, government, agency

Panelists
Galen Scott, NGS Constituent Manager, NOAA's National Geodetic Survey, Silver Spring, MD - USA
Michael Dennis, NOAA's National Geodetic Survey, Silver Spring, MD - USA

Why should a student pursue a GIS internship? And why should an organization invest the resources to host one? This session explores the compelling "why" behind GIS internships from three distinct viewpoints: a current intern, a former intern turned GIS technician, and a manager who champions emerging talent.

For emerging professionals, internships are crucial opportunities to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world spatial problem-solving, offering hands-on experience that classrooms simply can't replicate. For organizations, an internship program is a strategic investment. It provides a chance to inject fresh perspectives into workflows, tackle backlogged projects, and cultivate a reliable pipeline of tested GIS professionals.

Join us as we unpack the mutual benefits of these programs. Whether you are looking to launch your career or build your team's capacity, you will leave with actionable strategies to maximize the experience.
 Keywords: Intern, Internship, Manage, Leadership, Career, Experience

Why Intern? Why Hire? Unlocking the Mutual Value of GIS Internships
Adam Ratliff, GIS Tech II, City of Las Cruces, Las Cruces, NM - USA
Liz Parrish, MBA, GISP, Sr. Manager of Geospatial Analytics & Insights, H-E-B, Dallas, TX - USA
Ron Burns, GISP-E, GIS Data Steward Intern, Aurora Water, CO - USA

This session explores the GIS career journey from early professional uncertainty through mid-career transitions and career advancement, highlighting both expected and unexpected paths along the way. Attendees will learn how to move from academic GIS work into real-world practice, navigate ambiguity, and build confidence beyond foundational technical GIS skills. The discussion also covers diverse career paths beyond traditional analyst roles, including opportunities in leadership, project management, operations, and product-focused work, emphasizing the importance of communication, curiosity, and relationship-building. Finally, the session addresses the “missing middle” of mid-career professionals which is often a key point defining the choice to pursue deeper technical or business centric focuses. This session offers strategies for finding direction, mentorship, and growth opportunities while deciding between technical specialization and leadership pathways.

Keywords:  career, growth, learning, leadership, management, mentorship
Stuck in the Middle: Navigating the Mid-Career GIS Identity Crisis
Christina Brunsvold, MS, GISP, Lead GIS Administrator/Project Manager, CAL FIRE, Sacramento, CA - USA

Beyond the Map: Career Paths GIS Doesn’t Talk About
Johnny Harley, GISP, GIS Analyst, TREKK Design Group, Fairway KS - USA
Brianna Zumhof, Partner Strategy Manager for Government, Eagleview, San Diego, CA – USA

Mapping the Transition from Student to Geospatial Professional
Allison Bednar, GIS Analyst, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Tampa, FL - USA