📍SAVE THE DATE: The virtual Big Ten GIS Conference takes place April 11, 2025
We are excited to announce the Big Ten GIS Conference, a free virtual conference happening on April 11, 2025! This annual event brings together researchers, educators, students, and GIS professionals to present their work, exchange ideas, and explore the latest advancements in geospatial research and tools.
Call for Proposals is Open!
Are you working on an exciting geospatial project? Have insights to share about GIS applications, research, or tools? We invite presentations, lightning talks, and map gallery submissions from any discipline using geospatial information. You do not need to be affiliated with a Big Ten university to present—submissions from all institutions and industries are welcome!
💡 Topics may include (but are not limited to):
Agriculture & natural resources
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Geography, urban planning & infrastructure
GIS education & methods
Health sciences, humanities & social sciences
IDEA and social/environmental justice
UAVs & GIS in academia
Applied GIS in campus infrastructure & municipal projects
This conference is open to anyone interested in geospatial research—students, educators, researchers, and professionals from all institutions and industries. Whether you’re presenting a project, showcasing research, or simply eager to learn, the Big Ten GIS Conference is a place to share and engage. While the event highlights work from Big Ten universities, we welcome all attendees and presenters, regardless of affiliation.
📢 Accessibility Note: Closed captions will be provided throughout the event.
Registration Opens Soon!
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Big Ten GIS Conference—start preparing your proposals and stay tuned for updates!
Editorial Calendar: The blog post calendar is on track, with reminders set through June 2025. Plans are underway to include introductory posts from west coast schools by summer.
Geoportal Walkthrough Videos: Work continues on video walkthroughs to introduce the GIN, its mission, and the Geoportal. A sprint for scripting and narration is scheduled for late Feb.
Knowledge
Geospatial Data Citation Guide: The committee is drafting a charter for a new working group to develop a guide for citing geospatial data, which will be promoted across BTAA institutions. This effort aligns with ongoing discussions about citation best practices and, if ready, will be promoted at the BTAA GIS Conference in April.
Service Models Collaboration & Geo4LibCamp: The committee is exploring ways to contribute to Geo4LibCamp (May 2025) by sharing service models and gathering insights from attendees to inform a set of recommendations.
TECHnology
The Technology Committee did not meet in January (holiday)
Coordination
The Coordination Committee did not meet in January.
Completed a final draft of a MARC to OGM Aarvark crosswalk
Remediated scanned map metadata with FAST subject headings, a new field for scale/resolution, and a new dedicated field for admin tags distinct from the Keywords field.
Drafted a member survey to explore tiered service models and compensation practices among BTAA-GIN members and beyond. The plan is to share a revised draft with the larger program team in March.
Ingested metadata improvements for all scanned maps, including a new field for scale and FAST compliant subjects (as directed by the FAST for Subject Terms Workgroup)
