I-GUIDE Webinars

The Institute for Geospatial Understanding through an Integrative Discovery Environment (I-GUIDE) aims to transform geospatial data-intensive sciences through the integration of AI and cyberGIS, reproducible data-intensive analytics and modeling, FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles, and innovative education and workforce development programs. I-GUIDE’s webinar series showcases innovative research and education advanced by I-GUIDE collaborators and partners.


Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 12:00 PM (Central Time)

Teaching & Learning Geospatial Data Science

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Speakers:
  • Babs Buttenfield, University of Colorado
  • Eric Money, North Carolina State University
  • Eric Shook, University of Minnesota
  • Abstract:

    Competence with geospatial data science involves a mixture of knowledge and skills in analytics, computing, and the spatial sciences. The ability to communicate effectively about inherent uncertainty and ethical considerations, often via data visualizations, is also part of the workflow.  In designing learning experiences for students to practice these workflows, what approaches are possible and which work better in different learning environments? How can instructors use messy real-world data, case studies, and classroom, laboratory or field work opportunities to increase the likelihood that the knowledge and skills will be transferable across contexts and disciplines?  Join us as we discuss these and related topics.


    Tuesday, August 8, 2023 | 12:00 PM (Central Time)

    Geovisualization: What might be seen? What might be missed?

    Speakers:
  • Barbara Buttenfield, University of Colorado, Boulder

  • Monday, August 7, 2023 | 12:00 PM (Central Time)

    Digital Twins, Digital Earth, and Ethics

    Speakers:
  • Mike Goodchild, UC Santa Barbara

  • Tuesday, April 25, 2023 | 12:00 PM (Central Time)

    The Growing Challenge of Geospatial Interoperability — from the Real World to the Metaverse

    Speakers:
  • Nadine Alameh, Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)
  • Abstract:

    This is THE time for geospatial. And that is NOT because of the ubiquity of technologies like cloud, edge and AI, or because of the overwhelming amount of location data we generate as a global society. This is THE time for geospatial because geospatial can accelerate our ability to solve some of the most critical problems facing us as human beings on this planet! Geospatial, as a capability, set of technologies and yes as a community, can help connect, integrate, analyze, and visualize data that can accelerate our preparedness and response to disasters from floods to landslides to wildfires to droughts and everything in between. Geospatial can help drive building blocks for global and local climate services to accelerate our understanding of climate and consequently our efforts for resilience and adaptation. Unfortunately, Geospatial is still falling short of reaching its full capability because geospatial information is still not as Findable Accessible Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) as it should be in 2023. Hence why the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is intensifying its efforts working with communities around the world to create interoperable building blocks for geospatial information to make it easier for ANYONE to share, use, integrate and analyze geospatial information. Our focus in 2023 is on supporting the Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure global efforts as well as the Disaster and Climate Resilience efforts via global collaboration leveraging existing and emerging standards and innovations. Marrying new concepts and innovations like Gaming and the Metaverse with a problem-solving community driving FAIR geospatial information is a requirement for nurturing a sustainable resilient planet!


    Tuesday, January 31, 2023 | 12:00 PM (Central Time)

    A Portfolio Risk Analysis of Aging U.S. Dams in a Changing Climate

    Speakers:
  • Dr. Upmanu Lall, Columbia University
  • Dr. Jinwoo Park, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Mr. Adam Tonks, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign
  • Dr. Jeongwoo Hwang, North Carolina State University
  • Abstract:

    U.S. dams are threatened by age-induced fragility and increased hydrologic stresses due to climate change. In many cases, communities and infrastructure below the dams have also increased dramatically over time, increasing the exposure to dam failure. Given that there are over 90,000 such dams in the United States, a traditional approach to dam risk assessment is challenging to implement. Our I-GUIDE project is taking an integrated approach to the application of "big data" sources so that a national or portfolio risk assessment of these assets can be attempted for the first time. This includes a spatially specific analysis of the climate changes of concern, of what is likely to be impacted if the dams fail, of the cascading effects of those failures on the national economy and other critical infrastructure elements, and the potential resilience of the infrastructure systems given the governance at different levels. The application of machine learning tools, statistical inference, natural language processing and the geo-hypercube together with traditional physics based and economics models is illustrated.


    Wednesday, October 5, 2022 | 12:00 PM (Central Time)

    Visual Storytelling with Data: From the Basics to Science Communication

    Speakers:
  • Dr. Vetria Byrd, Purdue University
  • Kalina Borkiewicz, NCSA Visualization Program Office and the Advanced Visualization Lab (AVL)
  • Mark SubbaRao, NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio
  • Abstract:

    You have data - now what? Data visualization can take your research to the next level, whether by helping you with data analysis or science communication. This webinar will introduce you to what visualization can do for you, how to target various audiences, and different methods of data representation. Looking to make broad public impact? Then cinematic scientific visualization is for you. This style of data viz can be seen in museums, documentary films, and viral social media, and it has the potential to reach millions of people worldwide. I-GUIDE has expertise and partners that can help you reach general audiences.


    Wednesday, May 11, 2022 | 11:00 AM (Central Time)

    Exploring the Frontiers of Data Science Education through I-GUIDE and Data Mine Partnerships

    Speakers:
  • Mark Daniel Ward, Purdue University
  • Abstract:

    As we plan for the 2022-23 academic year, Mark Daniel Ward discusses potential next steps for creating Data Mine experiences in I-GUIDE. I-GUIDE has opportunities to advance geospatial data science education through collaborating with the Data Mine project and many partners. This webinar will explore such opportunities, share the recent progress on the Data Mine project, and address potential collaborative activities for the upcoming academic year and beyond.


    Wednesday, March 23, 2022 | 11:00 AM (Central Time)

    Navigating the Evolving Educational Landscape in a Convergent Geospatial World

    Speakers:
  • Eric Shook, University of Minnesota
  • Abstract:

    The needs for geospatial education and workforce development are shifting under our feet. This webinar will explore these shifts and discuss the first steps aimed at adapting to a new educational landscape by connecting three active projects. The NSF-supported Hour of Cyberinfrastructure project is helping learners build Cyber Literacy for GIScience. The GeoCommons–a place for space–will serve as a geospatial collaboration hub for research, education, and engagement at the University of Minnesota. The NSF-supported I-GUIDE aims to transform geospatial data-intensive sciences, in part through innovating education and workforce development programs. Dr. Shook will share his vision and experiences in the pursuit of lowering barriers, bridging silos, supporting diverse learner pathways, and broadening education beyond a single degree.