GSW 2025 aims to strengthen communication within the ISPRS community and beyond, ensuring that its activities gain increased visibility and impact each year.
Geospatial Week 2025 entered its third day with a strong emphasis on leveraging advanced geospatial technologies to address global challenges, while also spotlighting the innovation and enthusiasm of the next generation of industry leaders. Hosted by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in partnership with the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), the event continued at the Dubai World Trade Centre, drawing an international audience of experts, professionals, and students.
A major highlight of the day was the plenary session titled Mapping the Future: How Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Drive Climate Solutions and Disaster Management. The session featured a panel of international experts discussing how tools like satellite imagery, aerial mapping and AI analytics are reshaping disaster response, environmental protection and climate adaptation strategies. Topics ranged from flood forecasting and reforestation tracking to coastal preservation and post-disaster recovery, with panellists emphasizing the need for global collaboration and real-time data integration to strengthen climate resilience and humanitarian efforts.
Meanwhile, young talent took centre stage at the Students & Young Professionals Event, held simultaneously at the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences & Technology (SAASST). Jointly organised by MBRSC, ESGRS and the ISPRS Student Consortium, the event offered students and early-career professionals a rich programme of inspiration and hands-on learning. Activities included talks from UAE space leaders, technical workshops on CubeSat design and deep learning, and showcases of university geospatial projects. The day concluded with a gala dinner and stargazing session, fostering camaraderie and reflection under the night sky.
Throughout the day, technical sessions and oral presentations spotlighted cutting-edge advancements in geospatial science. Researchers and developers shared insights on topics including 3D scene reconstruction, autonomous navigation, smart agriculture and forestry, digital construction, and intelligent mapping systems for uncrewed vehicles. A dedicated Advanced Autonomous Applications workshop convened experts to discuss breakthroughs in systems capable of operating independently in complex, real-world conditions.
Fatima Fahad AlShammari, Media Advisor and Spokesperson for Saudi Arabias General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, said: “The participation of the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information in the activities of Geospatial Week 2025 reflects the Authoritys leading position in the field of geospatial information and its pivotal role in building and developing the national geospatial infrastructure within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Over the first three days of the event, the Authoritys pavilion welcomed a large number of students, enthusiasts, and specialists from around the world, who came to learn about the Authoritys key projects and its significant contributions to the advancement of this sector both regionally and internationally.
“The Federal Geographic Information Center is participating in Geospatial Week 2025, as the event serves as a global platform that highlights the importance of the geospatial sector, both within the UAE and globally. Through our participation, we aim to showcase the Centres strategic objectives in promoting geospatial awareness among individuals and institutions, while also highlighting our efforts in sector governance and the development of its regulatory framework.
“Our platform features a range of strategic projects, foremost among them the Union Atlas project, along with several initiatives related to geospatial references that support decision-making and sustainable planning.”
