CalGIS 2025

Welcome to the 2025 CalGIS Annual Conference.

Keynote Address: Watch Duty: Empowering Communities with Real-Time Wildfire Intelligence
In an era of increasingly frequent and intense wildfires, timely, data-driven information can mean the difference between chaos and calm. After real problems really came to light in the wake of the 2017 firestorm and with a vision born after the 2020 Walbridge Fire, Watch Duty officially launched in August 2021.

This keynote will showcase how GIS, citizen-driven reporting, and cutting-edge technology are revolutionizing fire safety, evacuation zone monitoring, and emergency preparedness. Join us to learn how Watch Duty is bridging the gap between first responders, data-driven decision-making, and public safety—ensuring communities stay informed when every second counts. Nick Russell, VP of Operations, will share how Watch Duty’s collaborative approach to wildfire intelligence is empowering communities to act with confidence in moments that matter most.

Special Guest: Nick Russell, Vice President of Operations at Watch Duty
Nick Russell, Vice President of Operations at Watch Duty, as our keynote speaker. With over 15 years of operational management experience and a deep-rooted passion for radio technology to advance real-time wildfire reporting, Nick transitioned from a decade in agriculture and contributing as a dedicated volunteer, and joined Watch Duty full-time in August 2023. Nick’s key initiatives include the development of the Echo hardware radio system, enabling faster, more accurate wildfire information flow to both responders and the public. 

This session explores innovative applications of AI and deep learning in remote sensing, thermal surveys, and infrastructure assessment. Attendees will learn about a Methodological Rigor Index (MRI) for evaluating deep learning survey papers, thermal infrared (TIR) mapping of geothermal activity, and machine learning-driven pavement condition assessments. The insights provided will showcase how geospatial data enhances scientific rigor, environmental monitoring, and road infrastructure management. This session is ideal for those interested in the intersection of AI, geospatial analysis, and real-world applications.

DuckDB is an exciting new database system that brings the power and simplicity of spatial SQL into your python scripts.  It's fast and efficient with big data, imports a large variety of spatial file formats, and runs on your laptop -- no server or cloud required!  In this interactive workshop, we'll go over the basics of getting started with DuckDB, importing data, running spatial queries on your tables, and viewing outputs with the QDuckDB plugin for QGIS.   This is a great opportunity to get exposure to spatial SQL syntax and query patterns if you've always wondered, but never tried.  SQL is trending as the standard language for accessing data on many cloud geospatial platforms, so DuckDB is the perfect low-hanging fruit on which to practice your SQL skills without having to pay for cloud access.

Participants should provide their own laptops with QGIS and VSCode installed.  Familiarity with python and creating python environments is strongly advised.

As California moves toward the full implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1), GIS plays a critical role in ensuring accurate, efficient, and life-saving emergency response. This session will explore how CalOES is driving the transition forward, highlighting key milestones, challenges, and advancements in GIS data preparation and management. Attendees will gain insights into essential requirements, best practices, and compliance strategies necessary to support NG9-1-1 efforts. Whether you're directly involved in public safety, GIS data management, or emergency planning, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate this transformative shift and enhance the future of emergency response in California.

Discover how GIS is being leveraged to address environmental challenges and protect cultural heritage in California and beyond. This session will feature two groundbreaking geospatial applications: the Tijuana River Index, a cross-border mapping tool designed to combat watershed hazards like sedimentation and aquatic pollution, and the Arches Project, an open-source platform integrated with Esri tools to tackle historic preservation, emergency management, and urban planning. Presenters will share insights into data collection, interactive mapping, and real-world applications that enhance environmental sustainability and cultural resource management. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies and inspiration to implement GIS for impactful decision-making in their own communities.

Tijuana River Index
Jack Daley, Geospatial Analyst, Arup

Integrating Arches and Esri: Transforming California’s Geospatial Workflows
Peter Hansen and Adam Lodge, Geospatial Systems Consultants, Farallon Geographics

This presentation will provide an overview of the California Roads Sharing (CaRS) Program. The CaRS Program aims to establish a statewide roads dataset that will be available for use by stakeholders in California using a web-based geospatial roads data management platform. The CaRS Program has The presentation will discuss other successful roads data collaborations in other States, how the CaRS Program is utilizing various roads datasets in California, collaboration and data sharing process between Caltrans, CalOES, and participating counties, the results of NG911 Data Integration from five California Counties with Caltrans Roads Data, and more.

In today's data-driven world, organizations need robust systems to manage, analyze, and share information effectively. Esri's comprehensive system offers a powerful solution by integrating three key components: a System of Record, a System of Insight, and a System of Engagement.

System of Record: Esri's ArcGIS platform serves as a reliable System of Record, enabling organizations to collect, manage, and store authoritative geospatial data. This foundational layer ensures data accuracy and consistency, providing a single source of truth for all spatial information.

System of Insight: Beyond just storing data, Esri's platform transforms it into actionable insights. The System of Insight leverages advanced analytics, machine learning, and real-time data processing to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships within the data.

System of Engagement: Esri's System of Engagement empowers organizations to share and collaborate on geospatial data across departments and with external stakeholders. This system fosters a collaborative environment where data and insights are accessible to everyone, enhancing communication and participation

Esri's comprehensive system is a holistic approach to managing and utilizing geospatial data. This integration not only enhances data accuracy and insight generation but also promotes collaboration and engagement, driving better outcomes for organizations and communities alike.

Kick off an electrifying session designed to energize, engage, and inspire! This dynamic event features ignite lightning talks, where speakers will deliver rapid-fire insights on cutting-edge geospatial trends, groundbreaking projects, and the future of GIS in California. Discover the latest innovations from industry-leading sponsors, enjoy interactive games and prizes, and explore how GIS is shaping everything from climate resilience to smart cities. Our session will highlight the state of GIS in California, offering a compelling vision for its evolution, challenges, and limitless potential. Finally, learn how to bring GIS into your kid’s classroom, equipping the next generation with spatial thinking skills that will empower them to solve real-world problems. Whether you're here to network, learn, or be inspired, this session will leave you with fresh ideas, new connections, and a renewed passion for the power of GIS.

Shifting Gears: Actionable Insights for Improving Bike Infrastructure and Safety
Andrea Perez, MSGISci., GIS Research Specialist, Riverside University Health System-Public Health

Ethical Consent in Geospatial ML: Rethinking Training Data Collection from Built Environments
Soorya Narayan Satheesh, Independent Researcher, California Franchise Tax Board

Elevating GIS: Unlocking Insights with Photogrammetry
Kevin Volz, GISP, GIS Expert, DVD Landscape Architects, Inc.

Bringing GIS To Your Kids Classroom 
Marc Epstein, Director, California Environmental Technology Education Network

Exhibit hall networking with sponsors and light refreshments

Enjoy some appetizers and refreshments by the Doubletree pool - a gorgeous area, with lawn games, fire pit, etc.