Advancing Sustainability with Geospatial Knowledge and Technology  

As Pennsylvania pulls out of the deep recession of 2009 and resumes the economic growth that it has come to enjoy and expect, there is an opportunity, even an obligation and responsibility, to guide that growth down environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable pathways.  Investment by business and industry will drive the recovery by creating new jobs and new wealth.  And they will do it in sustainable ways if those ways make good business sense and contribute to growth and profitability.   

But they'll need help in pursuing those sustainable pathways.  They'll need to be supported by critical infrastructures that employ green technologies.  They'll need help in finding ways to reduce their energy demands; help in adapting alternate energy forms; and help in limiting their carbon footprint. They'll need information, training, and education to help them become profitable and sustainable enterprises.  And, of course, they will need a public policy and regulatory environment that permits and encourages sustainable development. GIS to the rescue!  

The 18th Annual Pennsylvania GIS Conference will explore the many ways that geospatial technology is blazing the trail to a more sustainable future.  Presenters from industry, academia, and government will showcase applications that help to advance environmental, economic and social sustainability.  In addition, the latest hardware, software, and database trends will be demonstrated by the geospatial industry.

 Stay tuned for conference tie-ins to World Environment Day in Pittsburgh