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Welcome to the CalGIS Conference, taking place in Sonoma County, California, April 14-16, 2025! This is where you review the comprehensive educational program for the conference and plan your agenda.

Registration, hotel details, and sponsorship opportunities are available here.
Type: Keynote Address clear filter
Tuesday, April 15
 

8:30am PDT

Welcome & Keynote Address: Watch Duty: Empowering Communities with Real-Time Wildfire Intelligence
Tuesday April 15, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
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. 
Moderators
SP

Sean Phayakapong

Senior GIS Analyst, Moulton Niguel Water District
Speakers
avatar for Nick Russell

Nick Russell

Vice President of Operations, Watch Duty
Tuesday April 15, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Salon III + IV
 
Wednesday, April 16
 

1:30pm PDT

Closing Panel: Sharing Geographic Data in California
Wednesday April 16, 2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Sharing geographic datasets is a hallmark of the state’s geospatial community. With improved coordination between a dataset’s stewards, clearing houses to consolidate datasets, and those that use the data, our state’s collective efficiency with all location-based efforts should improve.

A moderated panel discussion with geospatial community leaders, along with audience open discussion, can shed light on the challenges the community has publishing, finding, and consuming authoritative datasets.

Discussion topics may include:
  • The role of geodata portals in the state, e.g. California Geoportal and Esri’s Living Atlas
  • Use of AI tools to gather and process geospatial datasets from disparate sources
  • Defining and recognizing authoritative data sources
  • More efficient methods to consume published datasets
  • Data collaboration and sharing
  • Metadata standardization


Moderators
avatar for Lothar Petrik

Lothar Petrik

State GIO, California Department of Technology
Speakers
avatar for Ryan Lopez

Ryan Lopez

Senior IT Analyst, Fresno County Public Works and Planning
Ryan Lopez is a seasoned GIS professional leading Fresno County Department of Public Works & Planning's geospatial initiatives, where he oversees data strategy, integration, and innovative mapping solutions. With over a decade of experience in public-sector GIS, Ryan Lopez has championed... Read More →
avatar for Sandi Stroud

Sandi Stroud

Director of Public Safety, 1Spatial
Sandi has spent her professional career working both in the private and public sector of 911 and GIS. Sandi has worn the hat of a local GIS manager, regional GIS coordinator and supported a federal public safety mission with GIS. Drawing on her vast background managing and applying... Read More →
avatar for Drew Decker

Drew Decker

National Map Liaison, U.S. Geological Survey
Drew Decker is the National Map Liaison for California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Basin and has worked for the National Geospatial Program within USGS since 2007.  He works with local, state, and other federal agencies to coordinate mapping production, maintenance, standards, and planning... Read More →
avatar for Jason Latoski

Jason Latoski

Senior Solution Engineer, Esri
Jason Latoski is a Solution Engineer at Esri and has over 20 years’ experience in Geographic Information Systems. Jason strives to deliver the highest quality of customer service and geographic products as well as technical knowledge to meet all needs. Jason continually expands... Read More →
Wednesday April 16, 2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Salon III/IV
 
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