Conference Program
Mapping the Future: Innovation, Inclusion, and Sustainability
The Scientific Committee is excited to present an engaging and comprehensive program for our upcoming conference, featuring both local and international experts in the field of Cartography. This event will highlight the latest developments and future directions in cartography, emphasizing its critical role in fostering innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development.
This five-day conference is designed to be a dynamic forum where delegates can gain insights into scientific advancements, exchange expertise, and connect with peers. Our sponsors and exhibitors will showcase the latest in mapping technology, providing a unique opportunity to see the newest tools and innovations in the market.
Program Highlights
- Pre-Conference Workshops
- Commission Meetings
- Welcoming Address
- Keynote Sessions
- Technical Sessions
- Sponsor Talks
- Poster Sessions
- Welcome Reception
- Taste of Canada Night
- Technical Tours
- Orienteering Event
- Technical Exhibition
- Map Exhibitions
- Children’s Map Exhibitions
keynote
Speakers
Sandra Aqqaq
Knowledge Co-Production Coordinator for Taloyoak, NU
Chris Brackley
Founder, CEO & Lead Cartographer, As the crow flies cartography
Ryan E. Emanuel
Associate Professor of Hydrology, Duke University
mike goodchild
Emeritus Professor of Geography, University of California
Contemporary Cartography as Agency for Climate Change adaptation in the Canadian Arctic
A cartographer’s journey: Putting Indigenous peoples back on the map at Canadian Geographic
Mapping for Indigenous Environmental Justice
Digital Earth as a Digital Twin
Renzhong Guo
Professor, Shenzhen University
Eric Loubier
Director General, Canada Centre for Mapping & Earth Observation, Natural Resources Canada
Lynn Moorman
Professor, Mount Royal University
Rylan O’Krane
GIS Analyst, The Firelight Group
Pan-cartography: An extended theoretical framework for geovisualization
Mapping in an era of Change: Perspectives from the Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation
Contemporary Cartography as Agency for Climate Change adaptation in the Canadian Arctic
First Nations, Inuit and Métis Spatial Data Sovereignty and Governance
Amy Rose
Technical Director, Overture Maps Foundation
Sonia Talwar
Director-General, Geological Survey of Canada
Evan Thornberry
Head and Curator, David Rumsey Map Center, Stanford University Libraries
Alexander Zipf
Professor and Chair of GIScience, Heidelberg University
From Data to Discovery: Open Maps, Open Minds, and Endless Possibilities
Geological mapping through time – from ocean floor to mountain top – consistent progress for an innovative and inclusive future.
Transforming Historical Maps with Computer Vision, VR/AR, & AI
Beyond user-generated maps – where crowd intelligence meets artificial intelligence
Topics:
Art and Cartography
Atlases
Cartographic Body of Knowledge
Cartographic Heritage into the Digital
Cartography and Children
Cartography and Sustainable Development
Cartography in Early Warning and Crisis Management
Cognitive Issues in Geographic Information Visualization
Decolonial Maps
Digital Earth and Discrete Global Grid Systems
Digital Transformation of National Mapping Agencies
Education and Training
Ethics in Cartography
GeoAI
Geospatial Analysis and Modeling
Geospatial Data Analytics
Geospatial Semantics and Ontology
Geovisualization
History of Cartography
High-Definition Maps
Inclusive Cartography
High-Definition Maps
Inclusive Cartography
Indigenous Mapmaking
Integrated Geospatial Information for Cartography
Location Based Services
Map Design
Mapping the Arctic
Mapping the Waterbodies and the Oceans
Map Projections
Maps and the Internet
Marine Cartography
Mountain Cartography
Multi-scale Cartography
Next Generation Cartographers
Planetary Cartography
Standards in Cartography
Topographic Mapping
Thematic Cartography
Toponymy
Ubiquitous Mapping
User Experience
*Just added Student Paper Session *
Pre-Conference Workshops
Attending our pre-conference workshops is a fantastic opportunity included in the registration fee for full participants. These workshops will be held on 17 August 2025 at the Vancouver Convention Center, offering a day full of insightful sessions and networking opportunities. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and there will be a waitlist for those who wish to join if spots become available.
For the full schedule, please click HERE
Business Meetings
The upcoming ICA Commission and Working Group meetings will happen at the Vancouver Convention Center during the duration of the conference during lunch hours. These meetings will cover crucial topics relevant to our commissions and working groups, aiming to foster collaboration and share insights among participants. The final schedule and specific rooms will be announced leading up to the conference, so stay tuned for further updates and detailed information.
For the full schedule, please click HERE
Workshops, Tutorials and Special Sessions
– Subject to Change
Rethinking the Role of Societies for Enhancing Diversity & Services Panel
SESSION DETAILS
ORGANIZER: Cartography and Geographic Information Society (CaGIS)
MODERATOR: Caglar Koylu, President, CaGIS
PANELISTS: Aileen Buckley, IMIA; Indy Hurt, CaGIS; Reginald Archer, Tennessee State University, Paul Heersink, Canadian Cartographic Association (CCA)
DESCRIPTION: This panel aims to inspire dialogue and ideas for building inclusive and impactful communities in cartography, GIScience, geography and beyond. Through discussions on who our members are and could be, what services best meet their needs, and how to deliver those services efficiently—especially through inter-society collaboration and leveraging innovative platforms—this session seeks to identify actionable insights for building inclusive, and impactful professional communities.
DATE: Monday, 18 August, 2025
TIME: 14:30 – 15:30
Tree Spatial Asset Management Solution
SESSION DETAILS
ORGANIZER: City of Vancouver
SPEAKERS: Nenad Knezevic, GIS Systems Analyst, City of Vancouver & Warren Eichhorst, Business Analyst, City of Vancouver
DESCRIPTION: The presentation will explore the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance urban forestry management at the City of Vancouver. Attendees will learn about the business drivers behind the adoption of GIS, the new capabilities introduced, and the architecture of the solution. The session will cover practical use cases of the technology, highlighting the challenges faced and the solutions implemented. The presentation will conclude with key learnings, a roadmap for future , and a Q&A session, making it accessible and informative for both technical and non-technical audiences.
DATE: Tuesday, 19 August, 2025
TIME: 15:00 – 16:00
Toward an ICA Code of Conduct: Community Workshop
SESSION DETAILS
ORGANIZER: Next Generation of Cartographers Working Group
SPEAKERS: Chelsea Nestel, Katarzyna Słomska-Przech, Juliane Cron, Aileen Buckley, Serena Coetzee, Menno-Jan Kraak, Merve Keskin
DESCRIPTION: The ICA Next Generation Cartographers Working Group is developing a Code of Conduct to enhance safety and respect within the ICA community. This initiative aims to establish clear rules for expected behavior, ensuring a respectful and collegial environment at ICA events. The workshop at ICC 2025 will gather community insights to refine the ICA draft Code of Conduct and address potential shortcomings.
All members of the ICA community are welcome and encouraged to attend. Join us in developing an informed Code of Conduct for the ICA community!
DATE: Thursday, 21 August, 2025
TIME: 15:00 – 17:00
Mapping, Verifying and Displaying First Nations and Inuit Place Names
SESSION DETAILS
SPEAKERS: Julia Conzon & Rylan O’Krane of The Firelight Group
DESCRIPTION: Firelight will present on verifying and displaying First Nations and Inuit place names. Firelight will present general methods, best practices, challenges and lessons learned on mapping, verifying and displaying First Nations and Inuit place names in Canada. Case studies and examples will be shared.
DATE: Friday, 22 August, 2025
TIME: 08:30 – 09:30
Understanding DGGS: Past, Present, and Future
SESSION DETAILS
ORGANIZER: Open Geospatial Consortium
SPEAKER: Dr. Sina Taghavikish, OGC
DESCRIPTION: This session will explore the foundations of Discrete Global Grid Systems (DGGS), from their origins in the limitations of traditional paper-based maps to their evolving role in modern geospatial standards. We’ll cover key technical concepts, OGC’s decade-long engagement with DGGS, and future directions including 3D, spatio-temporal, and AI integration—highlighting why DGGS is uniquely positioned to enhance data accessibility, interoperability, and insight.
DATE: Friday, 22 August, 2025
TIME: 13:30 – 14:30
Social Events
ICC 2025 Welcome Reception
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Monday, 18 August 2025
START TIME: 18:00 – 20:00
DESCRIPTION: Join us in the Exhibit Hall for the ICC 2025 Welcome Reception – an evening designed to spark connections and curiosity. Sponsored by Esri, this vibrant kick-off event invites attendees to mingle with fellow delegates while enjoying their first look at the International Map Exhibition, the imaginative Children’s Map Exhibition, and the dynamic Technical Exhibition featuring sponsors and industry partners from around the world. With a drink in hand and maps all around, this is your chance to discover the heart of the conference in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.
ICC 2025 Orienteering Event:
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Tuesday, 19 August 2025
START TIME: 18:00
FEE: $15.00 CAD *plus applicable taxes
ORGANIZER: Dawn Mooney (Event Director)
LOCATION: Harbour Green Park
MAP: Stanley Park South
DESCRIPTION: The event start and finish location is Harbour Green Park, Vancouver, a 5 minute walk from the Convention Centre; organised by the Greater Vancouver Orienteering Club (GVOC) in conjunction with their weekday training event.
Next Generation Cartographers: Casual Meet-Up
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Tuesday, 19 August 2025
START TIME: 18:00
DESCRIPTION: Join the Next Generation Cartographers for a casual meet-up to connect and exchange with fellow young and early career cartographers.
Taste of Canada: A Culinary Journey from Coast to Coast
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Wednesday, 20 August 2025
START TIME: 18:00
LOCATION: VCC West Building Level 3 Foyer
FEE: $150.00 CAD *plus applicable taxes
DESCRIPTION: Experience the flavours of Canada in one of Vancouver’s most breath-taking venues—the Level 3 Foyer of the Vancouver Convention Centre West. With panoramic views of the harbour, mountains, and city skyline, this stunning space sets the stage for an unforgettable evening of culinary exploration. Enjoy a curated Taste of Canada menu that showcases regional specialties and iconic dishes from across the country, all while soaking in the atmosphere and sounds of Canadian artists.
Don’t forget to snap a photo under the iconic globe as you enter the West Building
Sponsored by: Qingdao Surveying and Mapping Institute
Please note: This is a ticketed event and is not included with your conference registration. A separate purchase is required to attend.
Technical Tours
Fee – $30.00/tour plus taxes
Note: Transportation on own – no private transport will be provided for the tours.
Public transit directions will be provided in a “Know Before you Go” Email
Registered for the Conference already? No problem, simply sign back into your account and add on.
GIS before GIS: Maps as Records at the City of Vancouver Archives
TOUR DETAILS
DATE: Wednesday, 20 August 2025
TIME: 9:00 – 11:00
DURATION: 2 hours
MAXIMUM REGISTRATION: 30 people
DESCRIPTION: The City of Vancouver Archives is the official repository of Vancouver’s documentary heritage and holds over 7,000 maps dating from the 17th to 21st centuries. Join archivists for an introduction to the Archives’ cartographic holdings and a back-of-house tour of their digitization and conservation operations.
LOCATION: 1150 Chestnut Street in Vanier Park (enter from Whyte Avenue), Vancouver, BC
PUBLIC TRANSIT DIRECTIONS: Link to Google Maps – Estimate Travel: 35 min
Tour of Safe Software – Reimagining Reality with Spatial Computing: Augmented Cartography for an Interconnected World
TOUR DETAILS
DATE: Thursday, 21 August 2025
TIME: 9:30 – 10:30
DURATION: 1 hour
MAXIMUM REGISTRATION: 25 people
DESCRIPTION: In this tour you will discover how augmented reality is transforming the way we interact with location data – bringing maps off the screen and into the real world. We’ll explore how AR, combined with GIS, sensors, and real-time data, is enhancing decision-making and creating more accessible, immersive mapping experiences.
LOCATION: 9639 137A Street, Surrey, BC V3T 0M1
PUBLIC TRANSIT DIRECTIONS: Link to Google Map – Estimate Travel: 60 min
3D Urban Form Monitoring Model for Metro Vancouver
TOUR DETAILS
DATE: Friday, 22 August 2025
TIME: 9:00 – 10:00
DURATION: 1 hour
MAXIMUM REGISTRATION: 10 people
DESCRIPTION: The Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy, Metro 2050, is the regional federation’s collective vision for how growth will be managed. This strategy highlights regional urban centres as priority locations for services and amenities that support a growing population. Join us as we showcase our 3D Urban Form Monitoring Model that aims to capture, assess, and track the development of our urban centres.
LOCATION: Metrotower III, 4515 Central Boulevard, Burnaby, BC, V5H 0C6
PUBLIC TRANSIT DIRECTIONS: Link to Google Map – Estimate Travel: 35 min
ICA Scholarships for Young Scientists
Congratulations to the young scientists who received a ICA Scholarships are available to support young scientists who wish to actively contribute to and participate in the upcoming 2025 ICC and/or Commission workshops organized in conjunction with the ICC. The scholarship guidelines and criteria can be found on the ICA website linked here.
The Call is now open and the deadline for the ICC 2025 scholarships is now closed.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Academic Sponsors
Soft Sponsors
Thank you to our Exhibitors
