Formal programs can only teach so much, and curriculum often lags behind the fast-paced technological evolution, resulting in Geospatial graduates and early career professionals struggling to “catch up” with industry knowledge and skills that weren’t perhaps explicitly part of a degree program. This session explores some of the knowledge gaps in foundational IT and Data architecture knowledge, as well as what modern GeoAI means for how data is analyzed, workflows are designed, and results interpreted and integrated back into GIS for visual insights.
This session examines the skills GIS professionals which span beyond those GIS taught in traditional programs. Some key foundation concepts which are crucial but may be underdeveloped include IT infrastructure fundamentals, Networking fundamentals, Database Design, and, if an Esri ArcGIS shop, the ArcGIS architecture foundations. Also, as AI continues to evolve, it is imperative that GIS students and professionals are aware of and implementing GeoAI tools, analyses, and capabilities.
Keywords: Leadership, Professional, career, development, IT skills, GeoAI
Oregon State Geomatics: A Novel Approach for Building Soft & Hard Skills for the Classroom and Workplace
Brett Murphy, Professional Land Surveyor (PLS), Instructor of Geoamtics, Oregon State University, Albany, OR – USA
GeoAI Is Here. Are We Teaching It Right?
David Cook, GISP, Teaching Faculty/Professor of Practice/Chief Innovation Office/Co-Founder, Univ of MD/Wake Forest University/Cornerstone Defense/The Training Data Project, Washington, DC - USA
The Hidden Skills Gap in GIS. Foundational IT Knowledge Everyone Should Know
Christina Brunsvold, MS, GISP, Lead GIS Administrator/Project Manager, CAL FIRE, Sacramento, CA – USA
Liz Parrish, MBA, GISP, Sr. Manager of Geospatial Analytics & Insights, H-E-B, Dallas, TX - USA
Speakers 
Instructor of Geoamtics, Oregon State University
Brett Murphy is an instructor of Geomatic at Oregon State University. He received a Bachelors of Science in GIS & Remote Sensing from Southern Illinois University, holds a Private Pilot's license, and is a Professional Land Surveyor in Oregon. After several seasons working as a wildland...
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Professor/Chief Innovation Officer, University of Maryland/Wake Forest University
Dave Cook is a technology leader with over 30 years of experience in data, analytics, and AI. He supports AI/ML programs across the U.S. Intelligence Community and Department of Defense, and teaches AI at the University of Maryland and Wake Forest University. He serves as Chief Innovation...
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Lead GIS Administrator & Project Manager, CAL FIRE
Christina is the Lead GIS Administrator and Project Manager for CAL FIRE. She leads the team within Information Technology who manages and maintains the geospatial infrastructure that is critical to CAL FIRE's mission and used by countless CAL FIRE employees, allied agencies, and...
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Sr. Manager of Geospatial Analytics & Insights, H-E-B
Liz Parrish is the Sr. Manager of Geospatial Analytics & Insights for H-E-B. She has earned multiple industry certifications and is a 2x Esri SAG award winner. Liz is passionate about enabling organizations and individuals in achieving success through well-curated geospatial strategies...
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