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The First Latvian Geospatial Information Technology Conference Arouses Great Interest

The first Latvian Geospatial Information Technology Conference took place at the end of last year, bringing together close to 300 enthusiasts and professionals of the geospatial information technology industry. So far it has been the largest and most comprehensive conference of such kind in Latvia, and the organisers have already received positive feedback from the participants. The conference was an opportunity not only to learn about current events in the industry, but also to meet colleagues and partners in an informal atmosphere and to exchange valuable information.

"This conference was a good opportunity for JSC "Latvia's State Forests" (LVM) to explain to other geospatial technology developers and users why a forest management company is engaged in the development of these technologies, as well as to share its vision and contribution to the industry. It is important to build cooperation with other companies and organisations, to promote the exchange of data and information, to develop joint projects, thus raising our competence and creating better products and services," says Māris Kuzmins, Director LVM Business System Solutions.

Twenty three Latvian and foreign speakers delivered their presentations in the two sessions of the Latvian Geospatial Information Technology Conference, which was held at the University of Latvia Centre for Natural Sciences on 8 December 2017. Since this was the first conference, the presentations mainly covered broad topics and outlined common trends in the industry: the issues of availability and use of geospatial data, international and cross-sectoral projects, as well as the opportunities for educating society and specialists and the importance of developing the industry. The conference programme and names of the speakers are available on the conference website. Those who were not able to participate in the conference or watch it on-line, have an opportunity to watch video recordings of all presentations on the Youtube channel of the Latvian GIS Society or to familiarize themselves with presentations in PDF format.

The conference organisers have already announced the next Latvian Geospatial Information Technology Conference, which is to take place on 7 December 2018. It is expected that this year's conference will feature even more foreign guests, giving a broader insight into European and global industry trends. One of the parallel sessions will be devoted to specific technology solutions and practical presentations.

The conference is organised by the Latvian GIS Society in co-operation with LLC "Karšu izdevniecība Jāņa sēta", JSC "Latvia's State Forests" and LLC "Mikrokods"; the conference is supported by the University of Latvia. Other industry representatives are also encouraged to join the Latvian GIS Society and support the development of the sector and future events.