Peter Rabley, CEO of OGC, Visits Campus for Seminar on AI and Geospatial

We were honored to host Peter Rabley, CEO of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), for an invited speaker seminar on January 19th, 2026. The event, hosted by Dr. Steve Liang and the Ubi-Sensing and AI Research Lab, brought together students, researchers, and industry professionals to explore the transformative intersection of artificial intelligence and geospatial technologies.

Event Details

The seminar, titled “AI - Will it Eat Geospatial?”, took place at END 02, University of Calgary, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. The format included a 25-minute keynote presentation, followed by a fireside chat with Dr. Steve Liang, and concluded with a Q&A session.

About the Talk

In his presentation, Peter Rabley explored how the rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping geospatial work. Drawing on insights from global standards, industry, and policy communities, the talk examined both the transformative potential and the risks of AI—from automation and accelerated analytics to issues of trust, accountability, and governance.

Peter Rabley argued that while AI can fundamentally change geospatial workflows, strong geospatial foundations, standards, and human-centered design are essential to ensure AI enhances, rather than erodes, the value and credibility of geospatial decision-making.

The presentation featured compelling examples, including comparisons between traditional mapping methods and modern AI-powered approaches. One notable case study highlighted how a complex 2007 mapping project in Cantabria, Spain, involving over 1.2 million euros and 20+ people, can now be accomplished with AI capabilities by a single geographer in just a few days.

About the Speaker

Peter Rabley is CEO of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), an international standard development organization advancing the use of location-based technologies to address global challenges. A technology executive, investor, and geographer, Peter has spent more than 30 years building geospatial businesses that improve decision-making and protect planetary resources.

Prior to OGC, he co-founded PLACE, a non-profit data trust, and served as a Venture Partner at Omidyar Network leading its Property Rights initiative. He previously founded ILS, later acquired by Thomson Reuters, where he served as Vice President for Global Business Development and Strategy. Peter is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Royal Society of Arts.

Impact

This seminar provided valuable insights into the future of geospatial technologies and the critical role of standards in ensuring AI enhances rather than replaces the foundational principles of geospatial science. The discussion emphasized the importance of maintaining trust, accountability, and human-centered design as AI continues to transform the field.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Peter Rabley for sharing his expertise and to all attendees for their engaging participation in the fireside chat and Q&A session.