NORTH51 Pre-Event Panel: Uncovering the Future of Geospatial Technology

What does the future of the geospatial sector look like to forerunners leading the charge in a changing industry?

Ahead of the fourth annual NORTH51 Conference, TECTERRA is bringing together a panel of industry CEOs for a conversation about the future course and direction of the geospatial industry. Leading into the NORTH51 Conference’s theme in May 2022, RECOMBINATION, the discussion will focus on the changing landscape of geospatial technology and how geospatial elements are being integrated into new technologies; supercharging the power of data. With the geospatial sector evolving, our panelists will share their experiences and insights on how geospatial and location data can provide new context to solving real-world problems.

A hybrid event - Calgary TELUS Convention Centre | YouTube Live:

In-person:

The in-person event will be hosted at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre with refreshments provided.

Online:

Join our online event here: https://youtu.be/EI83bfgHQIk

Panelists

Moderator:

Jonathan Neufeld - CEO, TECTERRA

Jonathan Neufeld is a relationship-based leader, employing big-picture thinking and a proven ability to translate ideas into action. He is a veteran of the geospatial industry, including leading teams to deliver results – whether they are delivering programs to support SME technology development projects or collecting airborne data internationally. As a leader, he believes in the power of constructive disagreement, of fostering an open positive environment.

He has received a B.Sc in Geomatics Engineering, from the University of Calgary, and an MBA through the Haskayne School of Business. He is a father of three young children; an avid hiker, climber, and cyclist; and is passionate and unwaveringly optimistic about where technology will take us into the future.

Panellist:

Alastair Jenkins – CEO, Aethon Aerial

Alastair Jenkins, CEO of Aethon Technologies. Alastair has more than 25 years of experience in the aerospace, GIS and remote sensing technology fields. He was previously one of the six original founders of Wescam Inc today a part of Harris corp. He was also the founder of both mosaic mapping Corp and Geodigital international which grew to become one of the largest Lidar mapping companies in North America focused on utilities and a pioneer in the development of High definition Lidar maps for autonomous driving.

Most recently after selling Geodigital to General Motors in 2014 he has led Aethon Aerial, on a successful path towards the application of autonomous sensors, Beyond visual line of sight drones and artificial intelligence to the challenges of inspecting and monitoring the North American electrical transmission and distribution grid. Today the company is engaged by utilities in the USA, Canada and Australia to reduce wildfire risks and improve grid reliability during weather events. Alastair is an internationally recognized expert in the field of remote sensing and LiDAR technology.

Stephen Achal – Founder and CEO, 4pi Lab

As the visionary, inventor, and leader at 4pi Lab and its early wildfire detection satellite technology, Stephen Achal brings over 30 years of experience bringing state-of-the-art spaceborne and airborne remote sensing systems to commercial success. With a Master of Science in Astrophysics, Stephen has invented, developed, and patented several of the leading wildfire mapping instrumentation and technology that are widely used today.

Michael Ritter – President & CEO, Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division

President & CEO Michael Ritter, Autonomy & Positioning division President, has led Hexagon’s positioning technology portfolio since 2009. Initially hired as President and CEO of NovAtel, Ritter now directs the strategic activities of Hexagon’s positioning and autonomous technologies. Prior to joining Hexagon, he was employed by Trimble Navigation, where he spent nearly 15 years in a variety of roles ranging from application engineering to general management. Ritter holds a master’s degree in surveying.