The People Panel at NORTH51 explores the unseen ways geospatial technologies are transforming human behavior and shaping societies worldwide. From advanced aerial detection improving pipeline safety to remote sensing uncovering invisible greenhouse gas emissions, these innovations are influencing how industries operate, communities plan, and individuals interact with their environments. As geospatial data becomes more integrated into decision-making, it is changing how we understand risk, sustainability, and resilience on a global scale. This discussion will highlight the profound yet often unnoticed ways these technologies are reshaping the world and the lives of those within it.

The Space Panel at NORTH51 delves into the unseen impact of space-based technologies on life here on Earth. From satellites tracking environmental changes to spaceborne sensors monitoring critical infrastructure, these innovations are transforming how we navigate challenges like climate change, disaster response, and resource management. As space technology becomes more accessible, it is reshaping industries, informing policy, and influencing everyday decisions in ways most people never realize. This discussion will explore how the growing reach of space-based data is quietly but powerfully changing the way we live, work, and interact with our planet.

The GenAI Panel at NORTH51 tackles the rapidly evolving intersection of geospatial data and artificial intelligence, exploring whether GeoAI is merely an adaptation of existing AI models or the emergence of a truly novel foundation. As AI transforms how we analyze and interpret location-based data, the question remains—are we innovating or repurposing? This discussion will challenge assumptions, highlight groundbreaking applications, and examine whether the most impactful GeoAI projects require entirely new models or if existing AI tools are enough to unlock the unseen potential of geospatial intelligence.

Open Ocean, Open Data:  The Power of Open-Source for Coral Reef Monitoring

Coral reefs are at a tipping point, but what if data could accelerate action before it’s too late? Dr. Emily Darling, Director of Coral Reef Conservation at Wildlife Conservation Society and co-founder of MERMAID, is pioneering a future where critical reef health data flows seamlessly from scientists to communities and governments. 

The Fireside Starter ignites the discussion for the following Fireside Chat. During this session Emily will explore how MERMAID - a field-ready, online/offline data platform - is transforming the way we monitor and protect coral reefs worldwide. Join us to dive into the power of data-driven conservation and the urgent need to bridge science and action in a changing ocean.

Hang on to your questions during this session, grab a coffee, and meet us on the terrace for a impactful conversation with an impressive mountain backdrop.

Open Ocean, Open Data:  The Power of Open-Source for Coral Reef Monitoring

Coral reefs are at a tipping point, but what if data could accelerate action before it’s too late? Dr. Emily Darling, Director of Coral Reef Conservation at Wildlife Conservation Society and co-founder of MERMAID, is pioneering a future where critical reef health data flows seamlessly from scientists to communities and governments. 

In this fireside chat at NORTH51, Jonathan Neufeld will moderate a discussion to explore how MERMAID - a field-ready, online/offline data platform - is transforming the way we monitor and protect coral reefs worldwide. Join us to dive into the power of data-driven conservation and the urgent need to bridge science and action in a changing ocean.