The host and organizers of ICC 2025 acknowledge that the conference is held on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

“Acceptance of a paper in ICA-sponsored events is a reflection of scientific merit and not a reflection of any political recognition. In terms of operating principles, ICA abides by United Nations recommendations on membership and freedom of scientific enquiry, and the ISC declaration on the universality of science.”

Discover a world of possibilities

On behalf of the Local Organising Committee, I am delighted to invite you to the 32nd International Cartographic Conference (ICC 2025), in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Hosted by the Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG), this occasion represents the third ICC to be held in Canada, following the events in Ottawa in 1972 and 1999, and the sixth in North America.

Over millennia, maps have been a fundamental invention of humanity, developing into crucial tools that shape our view of the world and our grasp of reality. As we approach 2025, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the widespread adoption of online mapping services, a milestone that highlights the integration of information technology, digital communications, and Geographic Information Science (GIScience). This integration has not only maintained the core principles of cartographic art and science but also elevated maps to a ubiquitous status, playing a pivotal role in modelling, planning, communication, and action in the modern era.

The youngest attendees of our conference may seldom have interacted with a traditional paper map. Conversely, there is a segment of participants dedicated to unveiling the concealed insights within historical map archives. Bridging these groups are individuals who consistently engage in applying, investigating, or enhancing Cartography and GIScience.

It is truly inspiring to see this conference uniting such a diverse group of participants to mingle, collaborate, network, and share ideas and practices. This collective effort aims to foster innovation and expand the frontiers of Cartography and GIScience, steering it towards an inclusive and sustainable future in our interconnected world.

We are looking forward to welcoming you all to Vancouver, the largest city in Western Canada, where the fusion of urban sophistication, culture richness, and natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for our conference that only a map could devise.

Emmanuel Stefanakis

Conference Director