CalGIS 2025

GeoAI and AI Assistants in the ArcGIS System (Afternoon Workshop)
Monday, April 14, 2025 - 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Instructor(s) Jason Latoski, GISP, Senior Solution Engineer, Esri
Delia Wahby, Solution Engineer, Esri

Join us for a half-day, in-person workshop on GeoAI and AI Assistants in the ArcGIS System! This workshop is designed to help increase your understanding of how the ArcGIS System enables GeoAI and how you can apply these techniques to your workflows. Throughout the afternoon, we will explore various GeoAI patterns and workflows from an Esri lens, including imagery-based Deep Learning, vector-based Machine Learning, and even Generative AI implementations and integrations with Esri products. You will get hands on experience utilizing existing models, and learning about the potential of AI in solving real-world problems.

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.

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.

This session focuses on geospatial data governance, open collaboration, and cloud-based GIS adoption. Topics include AEC geospatial standards for project consistency, Fresno County’s partnership with Overture Maps to enhance public data accessibility, and the transition of enterprise GIS to the cloud for improved scalability and efficiency. Presenters will discuss technical and organizational challenges, best practices, and real-world applications. Professionals will leave with insights into building interoperable systems, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and modernizing GIS infrastructure.

Setting the Standard: Developing Organizational Geospatial Standards
Roland Martin, Americas Region Geospatial & Earth Observation Skills Leader, Arup

Putting Fresno County on the Map: Partnering with the Overture Maps Foundation for Open Geospatial Data
Ryan Lopez, Senior IT Analyst, Fresno County Department of Public Works & Planning 

Migrating Enterprise GIS to Cloud
Udaya Bhasker Cheerala, Senior Geographic Information System Consultant, Infosys Limited

This session showcases the powerful role of GIS to solve county problems such as mental health accessibility, food insecurity, wastewater infrastructure, and public safety concerns. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health uses GIS to optimize service accessibility and decision-making, while a food access study in Riverside County highlights disparities in proximity to essential resources. Additionally, a Sonoma County wastewater study maps septic systems to identify sustainable treatment solutions. Lastly, learn how leveraging modern GIS can help propel your community forward as local efforts have pushed government capabilities and resources to extremes. Attendees will gain insights into geospatial applications that drive public health equity and environmental sustainability.

How the Department of Mental Health uses GIS
Olga M Tambazidis, GIS Technician II, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health 

Evaluating Food Access for High-Need Populations in Riverside County: A spatial approach
Andrea Perez, MSGISci., GIS Research Specialist, Riverside University Health System-Public Health
Rina Hutajulu, Research Specialist I, Riverside University Health System-Public Health 
Krystal Corzine, Research Specialist II, Riverside University Health System-Public Health 

Mapping Wastewater: Geospatial Insights into Sonoma County’s Septic Systems
Roland Martin, Americas Region Geospatial & Earth Observation Skills Leader, Arup

Modern GIS Delivers County Government Solutions
Jason Latoski, Senior Solutions Engineer, Esri