For a couple of years now, all conferences, and conventions, have either been canceled or moved online.  The consequence of this is similar to what we’ve experienced in other parts of our lives, it’s isolating.  When this happens with conferences though, that can mean a decline in idea sharing, and cooperative actions.  However, 2022 has seen a return to face-to-face gatherings for many of these organizations.  This is a bit of a double edge sword of course, as not everyone can safely return to such huge gatherings.  Luckily, not all organizers are oblivious to this fact, and some have made sure to continue to offer the virtual option for those of us who, for various reasons, can’t attend in person.  A great example of a blended event is actually currently underway in San Diego, the Esri User Conference.

This will be the first time that Esri has met in person in three years, a fact that Esri president Jack Dangermond mentioned in his plenary speech on Monday.  The overview that he gave during that speech was inspiring, showing the best of what can happen when we work together, and just what assistance that GIS can lend. 

If you thought that maps were only useful for getting around an unfamiliar city, think again.  The Esri UC allows a showcase for the true scope for the modern use of maps, and data analysis.  From conservation, to finding landmines in Ukraine, this technology is helping to address some of the world’s most urgent needs. Plus, by bringing all those who are working on these problems into the same space, Esri is also helping to facilitate future collaborations, and even more solutions to be worked out.

As the week progresses, and the various sessions play out, I’ll try to share some of that information with you’re here.  See you soon. 

The Esri User Conference kicked into full swing today, down at the San Diego Convention Center.  As thousands of Geo Geeks converge on the Gaslamp district over the next several days, they all know they’re in for a treat.  Why you ask? It’s because this year’s theme of “The Intelligent Nervous System” means they’re about to learn how the Esri software products, platforms, and partnerships can all work together to help build a better world.

One such partnership that is being announced today is with the Jane Goodall Institute.  Utilizing the Esri Storyboard feature, Jane & friends have been able to strengthen their relations with the chimpanzees’ neighbors. The story if how that collaboration has been optimized using this technology is the main point of discussion in today’s late afternoon plenary session with Jane and E.O. Wilson.

If you’re not going to be one of the lucky ones in attendance yourself, then make sure to come back for a full rundown of what they had to share with the crowd. Stay tuned….

At this year’s Esri User Conference there was plenty to see.  From start-up companies trying to blaze a new path through all that data we keep generating, to non-profits trying to help save the planet, there were thousands of people there on hand to learn how GIS can help with whatever problem they may have.  There were many stand out moments, including the mini science symposium, and hands on learning opportunities, but one that was particularly worth noting this year was the talk that Erwin Rademaker gave during Business Summit, on the upcoming changes that will be taking place at the Port of Rotterdam.

With its final expansion now underway, the Port of Rotterdam is looking towards the future with virtually all aspects of its design.  As Rademaker said in his presentation, the future of the port will soon see use of autonomous shipping vessels, and the implementation of “smart containers” that will allow for a start to finish tracking of all cargo that is sent in and out of the port.  All these updates, and changes, will require high tech computer systems, and a state of the art energy grid.

To that end, the port is following through on its promise to build a more sustainable port; a port of the future if you will.  One that will not only uphold the sustainable energy future that the Dutch people have long been working towards, but that will also ultimately move the port towards being Carbon Neutral.

To help with building this future, the port is now taking steps to help ensure that they create most, if not all (soon enough), of the energy that the port requires.  They have already installed wind turbines, and solar panels in and on the facility.  However, this project is also being expanded into the water, with the formation of floating solar panel arrays.

In the next ten years, the Port of Rotterdam plans to take advantage of its partnership with IBM, Cisco, and Esri to essentially build what some might call a “smart” port.  The logistics of tracking and maintaining cargo, ships, and energy resources will take a monumental effort.  However, with the process already underway, the success of this project seems to be at hand.