2026 Big Sky GeoCon - From Data to Design: Full Schedule

25 courses available! The Hands-On Learning Lab is a training resource provided and developed by Esri Training Services. The lab is an excellent way to introduce or refine your skills related to Esri solutions and training opportunities while learning to use Esri software. As part of the Big Sky GeoCon, there is no charge for you to utilize and benefit from the learning lab as often as the heart desires!

List of courses available
 Exploring ArcGIS
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Online
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Pro
 Getting Started with GIS
 Adding Location-Based Data to a Map
 Analysis in ArcGIS Online
 Automating Workflows Using Python
 Creating Web Apps Using ArcGIS Experience Builder
 Data Exploration and Visualization in ArcGIS Online
 Data Pipelines in ArcGIS Online
 Exploratory Image Analysis in ArcGIS Pro
 Discovering Patterns Using ArcGIS Insights
 Exploring ArcGIS Field Maps
 Getting Started with Arcade
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Business Analyst
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Notebooks
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Survey123
 Getting Started with ModelBuilder
 Integrating CAD and BIM Data with ArcGIS
 Managing Parcels and Land Records Using the Parcel Fabric
 Mapping Clusters with ArcGIS Pro
 Mapping in ArcGIS Online
 Monitoring Activity Using ArcGIS Dashboards
 Performing Deep Learning in ArcGIS Online
 Telling Stories with ArcGIS StoryMaps

Wednesday April 15, 2026 9:25am - Thursday April 16, 2026 3:30pm MDT
Nordic Room

Workshop

9:35am MDT

Lessons Learned and the Benefits of a Cloud based GIS

Wednesday April 15, 2026 9:35am - 10:05am MDT

Alpine Room

We will share our practical lessons learned from migrating and operating enterprise GIS in the cloud, specifically AWS and Azure based implementations. Topics include right sized architectures; performance tuning (caching, tiling, storage tiers); secure identity, roles, and governance; data pipelines that connect CAD/BIM, IoT, and analytics; and automation for updates and deployments. Attendees will learn migration patterns to pursue and avoid and a lightweight operating model for cost control, reliability, and collaboration. Throughout this presentation we will focus on three key topics, 1. Cost Benefits, 2. Security Benefits, and 3. Maintenance Benefits.

Presenters

Brock Saylor

Client Director - Western Region, Langan

Brock is currently Langan's Digital Solution Client/Sales Director, managing Langan’s Digital Solutions/GIS team in the western United States. Brock’s client focus is centered around resorts, K-12, higher education, healthcare, data centers, and local/state government service... Read More →

Wednesday April 15, 2026 9:35am - 10:05am MDT
Alpine Room

AEC/Asset Management/Utilities

9:35am MDT

A Collaborative Partnership for Maintaining and Improving Parcel Data

Wednesday April 15, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

West Divide Room

The partnership between local governments and the Montana State Library for parcel data integration has continually evolved to support more efficient and accurate local contributions. Building on this collaboration, Butte-Silver Bow has enhanced its parcel stewardship by developing Python-based QA/QC tools that identify topology issues, duplicate geometries, geocode problems, and other inconsistencies before submission to the state. These scripted workflows improve local data quality and streamline integration with the statewide system. This presentation will highlight the history of the Butte-Silver Bow–Montana State Library partnership, recent technical advances, and the shared benefits of cooperative parcel data stewardship in Montana.

Presenters

Ross Carlson

City County Butte - Silver Bow

Ross Carlson is the GIS Coordinator for the consolidated city-county of Butte-Silver Bow. He studied GIS and Geography/Planning at the University of Montana and prior to joining BSB in 2023 spent over a decade at onX building ETL pipelines, scaling ArcGIS Enterprise in the Amazon... Read More →

Campbell Casseb

City-County of Butte-Silver Bow

Campbell Casseb - Campbell Casseb holds a B.S. in Urban Forestry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and an M.S. in Geography (GIS & Cartography) from Georgia State University. He has worked in academic and local government GIS roles, including supporting geospatial research... Read More →

Jeff Hedstrom

GIS Analyst, Montana State Library

Jeff Hedstrom is a GIS Analyst & the Cadastral Framework Theme Lead at the Montana State Library (MSL). His primary focus at MSL includes maintaining the Cadastral and CadNSDI datasets within the MSDI framework. He also maintains metadata collections and GIS applications pertaining... Read More →

Wednesday April 15, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
West Divide Room

Government

9:35am MDT

ESRI GeoAI Capabilities

Wednesday April 15, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

East Divide Room

Esri’s GeoAI capabilities fuse advanced machine learning, deep learning, and spatial analysis to automate feature extraction and accelerate insight generation across imagery, video, point clouds, text, and other geospatial data sources. By integrating pretrained models, configurable geoprocessing tools, and extensible Python APIs, ArcGIS empowers users to rapidly transform raw sensor data into actionable information. These capabilities now extend directly into field workflows through Survey123’s computer vision integration, image classification and feature detection to validate field observations, streamline QA/QC, and enrich survey data collection with automated intelligence.

Building on advancements in large language models, Esri is enhancing GeoAI with natural-language-driven analysis and intelligent assistants that help users discover data, generate workflows, and interact with GIS more intuitively. LLM-powered text AI complements traditional feature extraction by enabling semantic understanding of unstructured content while Survey123’s vision-based automation strengthens the connection between field capture and enterprise analysis. Together, these innovations make spatial AI more accessible, scalable, and efficient by unlocking new levels of productivity for analysts, field crews, and decision-makers across industries.

Presenters

Ryan Richardson

Solution Engineer, Esri

Ryan Richardson is a GIS professional with a passion for using technology to solve complex problems. He currently works as a Solution Engineer at Esri, supporting the State and Local Government team out of Esri's regional office in Olympia, WA. Additionally, he is a FAA Part 107 UAV... Read More →

Cody Benkelman

Esri

Wednesday April 15, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
East Divide Room

Remote Sensing/UAS

10:05am MDT

Turning drone data into GIS Intelligence with ESRI Site Scan

Wednesday April 15, 2026 10:05am - 10:35am MDT

Alpine Room

This workshop provides a practical, end-to-end overview of using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with Esri Site Scan to capture, process, and deliver high-value geospatial data. Participants will learn how drone-collected imagery and reality capture products integrate directly into the Esri ecosystem to support mapping, analysis, and decision-making workflows.
The session will cover core concepts of drone operations, data collection best practices, and how Site Scan streamlines flight planning, data management, processing, and collaboration. Emphasis will be placed on turning raw aerial data into actionable GIS deliverables such as orthomosaics, digital surface models, point clouds, and 3D content that can be shared across teams.
Attendees will gain insight into real-world use cases including surveying, construction monitoring, asset inspection, public safety, and infrastructure management. The workshop will also highlight accuracy considerations, operational efficiencies, and how organizations can scale drone programs while maintaining consistency and data quality.
By the end of the workshop, participants will understand how to effectively connect drone workflows with Esri Site Scan to move from flight to finished GIS products faster, more efficiently, and with greater confidence.

Presenters

Jay Haskamp

Frontier Precision

Collin Kemmesat

Frontier Precision

Wednesday April 15, 2026 10:05am - 10:35am MDT
Alpine Room

Remote Sensing/UAS

10:35am MDT

Networking Coffee Break | Visit Exhibitors

Wednesday April 15, 2026 10:35am - 11:10am MDT

Networking Break

11:10am MDT

Beyond Connectivity: Bridging the Institutional Digital Divide in State Government

Wednesday April 15, 2026 11:10am - 11:25am MDT

East Divide Room

In the United States, the digital divide increasingly reflects uneven digital transformation within state government institutions rather than consumer connectivity. Many agencies continue to rely on paper-based workflows and siloed legacy systems, limiting data sharing, interoperability, and enterprise decision-making. This presentation examines the transition from fragmented analog environments to integrated enterprise platforms, using DOT right-of-way mapping and statewide broadband mapping as case studies. These examples illustrate how inconsistent data standards, governance models, funding constraints, and workforce capacity slow modernization. The session emphasizes data democratization and workforce education as critical drivers of resilient, transparent, and effective state government enterprise systems.

Presenters

Daryl Southard

Sanborn

Daryl Southard is a geospatial professional with over 20 years of experience working alongside state and local government agencies to support data-driven decision-making. His background includes GIS mapping, LiDAR, and asset-related geospatial data, with a focus on helping organizations... Read More →

Wednesday April 15, 2026 11:10am - 11:25am MDT
East Divide Room

Lightening Talk, AEC/Asset Management/Utilities

11:10am MDT

Bridging Cityworks and ArcGIS Dashboards: Practical Arcade Techniques for Public Works KPIs

Wednesday April 15, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Alpine Room

Public works agencies rely on dashboards to track service delivery and performance across streets, utilities, and field operations. Much of this information originates in Cityworks, which manages work orders, inspections, and asset data before publishing it to ArcGIS Dashboards. This session shows how Arcade transforms Cityworks‑derived datasets into accurate KPIs by performing tasks dashboards can’t handle natively, including fiscal‑year calculations, conditional formatting, multi‑layer metrics, and real‑time data cleaning. Using practical public‑works examples, we’ll demonstrate how Arcade bridges the gap between Cityworks data structures and dashboard needs. Attendees will leave with adaptable patterns for producing clear, user‑friendly KPI visualizations.

Presenters

Andrew Stickney

GIS Analyst, HDR

Andrew is a GIS Analyst at HDR with over 12 years of experience in spatial data management and analysis in parks and recreation, urban planning and zoning, and natural resource management. He excels at using geographic information science, data, and systems to support multidisciplinary... Read More →

Kyle Burke

Regional Lead / GIS Manager, HDR Inc

Kyle Burke is a GIS Manager and Regional Lead with HDR Inc. based in Missoula, MT. He holds BAs in History and Anthropology from the University of Montana and a MS in Geographic Information Science and Technology from the University of Southern California. He has over 10 years as... Read More →

Wednesday April 15, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Alpine Room

AEC/Asset Management/Utilities

11:10am MDT

ArcGIS Pro and Python: Potentially Helpful Bits and Bobs

Wednesday April 15, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

West Divide Room

The purpose of this collaboration session is to provide helpful guidance for anyone using ArcGIS Pro and Python together or separately. The basis for the material presented and demonstrated is everyday experience, particularly with respect to an annual project for which procedures have evolved over many years. A list of related and unrelated topics will be reviewed and audience members will be invited to contribute to the discussion. Ideally, there'll be something for everyone and, as usual, the goal is to provide a forum for a beneficial exchange of information, ideas, and inspiration.

Presenters

David Howes

David Howes, LLC

David Howes is a geospatial information scientist and the sole owner at David Howes, LLC (dhowes.com) in Seattle, WA, specializing in the development of GIS tools, processes, and supporting infrastructure for a variety of clients from small operations to multinational corporations. With over 30 years of academic and private sector experience in both the United Kingdom and the United... Read More →

Wednesday April 15, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
West Divide Room

Python & Automation

11:25am MDT

GeoAI + 3D Streets

Wednesday April 15, 2026 11:25am - 11:40am MDT

East Divide Room

This session highlights how GeoAI and 3D street-level data are transforming modern infrastructure management. Using high-fidelity mobile mapping, road networks are driven, digitized, and analyzed at scale—capturing assets and conditions with unprecedented detail. From traffic signs and guardrails to pavement analysis, computer vision and AI unlock actionable insights that enhance safety, support long-term planning, and improve public works operations. Attendees will gain a clear view of how street-level digital twins and AI analytics are modernizing asset management, including real project use cases from City of Bozeman.

Presenters

Connor Burns

Regional Manager - West, Cyclomedia

Connor Burns, Cyclomedia Technology Inc.

Connor is a technology professional specializing in enterprise software and geospatial data analytics. For most of his career, he’s advised organizations in public and commercial sectors to align data-driven deliverables with key organizational needs. As the Western Regional Ma... Read More →

Wednesday April 15, 2026 11:25am - 11:40am MDT
East Divide Room

Lightening Talk, Geospatial/AI

11:40am MDT

ArcGIS for Real-Time Winter Weather and Street Sweeping Operations

Wednesday April 15, 2026 11:40am - 11:55am MDT

East Divide Room

Street Sweeping and Winter Weather Operations empower public works agencies to monitor real-time service activity, measure performance, and keep communities informed. By tracking sweeper and snowplow routes, organizations can improve service levels, meet regulatory requirements, and optimize responses to storms and seasonal conditions. Sharing clear schedules and status updates increases transparency, supports resident planning, and strengthens public trust. Together, these solutions streamline operations, enhance roadway safety, and help agencies manage resources efficiently while maintaining cleaner, safer, and more resilient transportation networks.

Presenters

Scott Wolter

Account Manager, Esri

Esri is the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping. 0Since 1969, we have supported customers with geographic science and geospatial analytics, what we call The Science of Where. We take a geographic approach to problem-solving... Read More →

Ryan Richardson

Solution Engineer, Esri

Wednesday April 15, 2026 11:40am - 11:55am MDT
East Divide Room

Lightening Talk, AEC/Asset Management/Utilities

12:10pm MDT

"Making Maps is just the best!" Hosted Lunch featuring Keynote Speaker: John Nelson

Wednesday April 15, 2026 12:10pm - 1:40pm MDT

East/West Divide Ballroom

In this presentation, John will introduce some personal anecdotes, thinly shrouded in the framework of geographic information systems concepts and cartographic design. He'll present some highly visual content to divert attention away from his awkward presentation energy because if you're looking at the screen, you're not looking at him! This cartographic slight of hand will continue, as he walks through various map-making how-tos, as a means of encouraging gumption in our work and finding opportunities for joy. After all, whose got it better than us?

Presenters

John Nelson

Cartographer, Esri

Wednesday April 15, 2026 12:10pm - 1:40pm MDT
East/West Divide Ballroom

Lunch

1:25pm MDT

Visit Exhibitors

Wednesday April 15, 2026 1:25pm - 1:40pm MDT

Glacier Room

Wednesday April 15, 2026 1:25pm - 1:40pm MDT
Glacier Room

Networking Break

1:40pm MDT

The Modernized National Spatial Reference System is almost here!

Wednesday April 15, 2026 1:40pm - 2:10pm MDT

Alpine Room

NOAA's National Geodetic Survey (NGS) defines, maintains, and provides access to the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), which is a common foundation for geospatial data that serves as the basis for civilian surveying and mapping in the United States. Changes in technology and a better understanding of the dynamic earth have made it necessary to improve the NSRS to be of better use for modern applications. Currently, NGS is in the process of modernizing the NSRS, updating the existing horizontal datums with a suite of geometric reference frames and the vertical datums with a gravimetrically-derived geopotential datum.

Presenters

Brian Shaw

Rocky Mountain Regional Advisor, NOAA's National Geodetic Survey

Brian Shaw is NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey Rocky Mountain Regional Advisor. He began his career at NGS in 2002 and has a BS in Computer Science and an MS in Geographic Information Systems and he emphasizes how surveying and GIS depend on geodesy as a frame of reference for location... Read More →

Wednesday April 15, 2026 1:40pm - 2:10pm MDT
Alpine Room

Government

1:40pm MDT

Addressing Roundtable

Wednesday April 15, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

West Divide Room

Join us for our annual (informal) roundtable discussion related to addressing responsibilities. Enjoy this opportunity to share knowledge and experiences with colleagues; ask questions and share projects and/or best practices!

Discussion Topics
Addressing commercial buildings with multiple businesses and accesses
Addressing apartment complexes (naming roads, assigning primary numbers to each building, etc.)
Addressing ADU (Accessory Dwelling Units), including apartment above garage, etc.)

Placeholders
Addressing and Road Naming Conventions and Procedures
3rd Party mapping applications (Google, Apple, Bing, OpenStreetMap, etc)
Review existing/upcoming projects
Review unique scenarios, experiences, and resolutions
NG 9-1-1 status

Presenters

Mike Powell

GIS Manager, Yellowstone County

Jason Danielson

GIS Analyst, Lewis and Clark County/City of Helena

Jason Danielson is the Address Coordinator and GIS Database Analyst for Lewis and Clark County/City of Helena GIS Services. His duties include address management within Lewis and Clark County, the creation and maintenance of our enterprise geospatial data, providing GIS software/project... Read More →

Wednesday April 15, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
West Divide Room

Roundtable

1:40pm MDT

GIS Imagery Roundtable

Wednesday April 15, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

East Divide Room

Join us for an open GIS Imagery Forum dedicated to answering your toughest questions about imagery-driven workflows. Whether you're working with UAV, aerial, or satellite data, building digital twins, leveraging geospatial video or oriented imagery, or supporting inspection and asset management workflows, this session provides a collaborative space to explore best practices, emerging capabilities, and real‑world applications. Bring your questions and challenges and let’s work together to tackle the full spectrum of questions around modern GIS imagery workflows.

Presenters

Ryan Richardson

Solution Engineer, Esri

Cody Benkelman

Esri

Wednesday April 15, 2026 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
East Divide Room

Roundtable, Remote Sensing/UAS

2:10pm MDT

BIA GIS Standards: Ensuring Consistent Forest Cover Data

Wednesday April 15, 2026 2:10pm - 2:40pm MDT

Alpine Room

This presentation mandates annual updates to the Forest Cover Type (FCT) dataset and centralized storage in the BIA Enterprise portal. It defines data standards, standardized workflows, and staff training to ensure integrity, accuracy, and efficient collection, processing, and sharing. FCT supports the Regional Forest Management Plan, reflecting evolving inventories, management goals, and past actions. Originally developed regionally (2003–2018) and revised notably in 2013–2014 using NAIP imagery, the protocol consolidates update procedures and user instructions for field and office contributors.

Presenters

Ken Bixby

Regional Geospatial Coordinator, Department of Interior- Rocky Mountain Regional Office

I like to hunt, fish, and other outdoor activities. I really like talking about my 49ers, Celtics, and San Fran Giants. With work related, I like talking about AGOL, Collector, SDE Server (learning), parcel data, Metes and Bounds (COGO), and spatial analysis.

Wednesday April 15, 2026 2:10pm - 2:40pm MDT
Alpine Room

Government

2:40pm MDT

Networking Coffee Break | Visit Exhibitors

Wednesday April 15, 2026 2:40pm - 3:10pm MDT

Glacier Room/Foyer

Wednesday April 15, 2026 2:40pm - 3:10pm MDT
Glacier Room/Foyer

Networking Break

3:10pm MDT

Design, Data, and Construction: The Use of Geospatial Tools in Stream Restoration

Wednesday April 15, 2026 3:10pm - 3:40pm MDT

East Divide Room

Geospatial tools play a crucial role in modern stream restoration by supporting accurate assessment, design, construction, and monitoring. This presentation highlights the integrated use of UAS, surveying, LiDAR, GPS enabled equipment, and GIS to collect, analyze, and implement high-resolution spatial data for stream and floodplain restoration. These technologies improve design efficiency, reduce time/cost, and support informed decision-making throughout the restoration project, from initial assessment through post-construction monitoring.

Presenters

Tanner Tompkins

GIS/Land Resources Specialist, Kroenke Ranches

Tanner Tompkins is a GIS/Land Resource Specialist and UAS Remote Pilot who specializes in stream restoration work and implementing GIS in large scale agriculture and ranch operations. He was raised in the Flathead Valley and now splits his time between Bozeman, Whitefish, and Augusta... Read More →

Wednesday April 15, 2026 3:10pm - 3:40pm MDT
East Divide Room

Conservation/Natural Resources

3:10pm MDT

Showcasing the Montana DPHHS CONNECT Directory Dashboard Experience Builder

Wednesday April 15, 2026 3:10pm - 3:40pm MDT

Alpine Room

The Montana DPHHS CONNECT program described here provides critical health services to Montana community members. https://connectmontana.org/ , https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/ConnectMT/CONNECTReferralSystem , To communicate what agencies participate in the program, DPHHS built a modernized GIS directory dashboard that makes great use of the ArcGIS Experience Builder platform. This application allows users to do a variety of spatial operations to interact and learn about the program that will be covered in this session. For those interested in spatial approaches for assessing access to care in rural places, this talk will be right up their alley. The dashboard has not yet been finalized but should be at time of presentation. Additional efforts on accessibility of the resource will be covered as well.

Presenters

Brian Norderud

GIS Analyst, Montana DPHHS

Brian Norderud is one of the GIS Analysts working with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. In his role he has been working with DPHHS for over five years and coordinates GIS activities for specific programs and across the agency. Brian maintains a ton of interests... Read More →

Wednesday April 15, 2026 3:10pm - 3:40pm MDT
Alpine Room

GIS in Health

3:10pm MDT

Local Government SIG Roundtable

Wednesday April 15, 2026 3:10pm - 4:15pm MDT

West Divide Room

This 60‑minute facilitated roundtable invites local government GIS professionals to share and discuss emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping GIS programs today. Topics may include the growing role of AI and automation, evolving job roles and expectations for GIS staff, organizational capacity and workforce development, and major technology transitions such as Web AppBuilder to Experience Builder, Geometric Network to Utility Network, and expanding use of modern web GIS applications.

Participants are encouraged to share what changes they are experiencing in their organizations, how they are adapting workflows, skills, and technologies, and what strategies or lessons have proven effective—or challenging—in practice. The goal is to foster candid discussion, identify common themes across Montana and the region, and help attendees leave with ideas, perspectives, and connections they can apply within their own local government GIS programs.

Presenters

Andrew Stickney

GIS Analyst, HDR

Wednesday April 15, 2026 3:10pm - 4:15pm MDT
West Divide Room

Roundtable, Government

3:40pm MDT

Transition

Wednesday April 15, 2026 3:40pm - 3:45pm MDT

Transition

3:45pm MDT

Utilization of Field and Remote Sensing Data to Design the Piedmont Wetland Restoration Project

Wednesday April 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:15pm MDT

East Divide Room

SWCA Environmental Consultants (formerly River Design Group) was retained by MT Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and the Jefferson Local Development Corporation to design a wetland restoration project at the Piedmont Wetlands south of Whitehall, Montana. Data collection for wetland restoration design development included pond bathymetry, topography, vegetation, wetland delineation and wetland functional assessment. Field data were used for the basis of restoration design, and the supporting GIS analysis included LiDAR surface analysis and clarification of historical alterations to the system. Spatial and 3D analysis as well as conceptual design drafting were completed in the ArcGIS Pro platform.

Presenters

Selita Ammondt

SWCA Environmental Consultants

Selita is a Senior Project Manager and Restoration Ecologist with 20 years of experience in river and wetland restoration. She designs wetland restoration projects, develops floodplain and vegetation restoration plans, and prepares federal and state permitting documents. Selita is... Read More →

Wednesday April 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:15pm MDT
East Divide Room

Conservation/Natural Resources

3:45pm MDT

TrialWear: Integrating GIS in Clinical Trials to Save Lives

Wednesday April 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:15pm MDT

Alpine Room

TrialWear is a new medical device designed to improve health care outcomes in Montana and beyond. Developed by an interdisciplinary team from Montana State University, the device utilizes ArcGIS GeoEvent Server and built-in geofencing to alert providers when a clinical trial patient enters a medical facility. The goal of TrialWear is to promote rural representation in clinical trials by removing communication barriers between researchers and providers, allow more patients access to life-saving treatments, and increase the safety of clinical trial participants.

Presenters

Eric Sproles

Assistant Professor of Earth Sciences, Montana State University

Eric earned his PhD in Water Resources Science at Oregon State University, applying a range of geospatial tools and models to better understand climate impacts on snowpack. His curiosity of all things geospatial blossomed during his MSc at the University of Oregon where he worked... Read More →

Erich Schreier

Montana State University

Erich Schreier - Erich earned his master's degree in 2025 with GeoSWIRL, studying new methods of monitoring snow water equivalent (SWE) in alpine environments. Erich combines his knowledge of field research and data analysis to contribute to collaborative geospatial research and projects... Read More →

Wednesday April 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:15pm MDT
Alpine Room

GIS in Health

4:15pm MDT

Transition

Wednesday April 15, 2026 4:15pm - 4:20pm MDT

Transition

4:20pm MDT

Modernizing Forest Inventory on Montana’s Trust Lands through LiDAR and Timber Cruise Data Integration

Wednesday April 15, 2026 4:20pm - 4:50pm MDT

Alpine Room

Since the 1980s, the Montana DNRC’s Stand Level Inventory (SLI) has supported forest management on Trust Lands through walkthrough-based field assessments of stand conditions. While foundational, this method presented challenges in data consistency, repeatability, and maintenance. Leveraging recent statewide LiDAR acquisition, DNRC developed the Remote Forest Inventory (RFI), integrating timber cruise data with LiDAR to produce spatially continuous, landscape-scale forest metrics. This presentation highlights DNRC’s application of GIS and remote sensing in developing the RFI, a modernization effort that transformed legacy inventory methods into a precise, efficient, and scalable framework for forest data management.

Presenters

Anna Moser

Remote Sensing Analyst, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Anna Moser is a Remote Sensing Analyst with the Forest Management Bureau of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. She develops and maintains forest and vegetation inventory sampling frameworks for Montana’s State Trust Lands. Her professional interests include... Read More →

Clay Stephenson

MT DNRC

Clay Stephenson is the Forestry Section Supervisor for the Forest Management Bureau of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. He and his team maintain the DNRC’s silviculture, forest mensuration, and sustained yield calculation programs. His professional interests... Read More →

Wednesday April 15, 2026 4:20pm - 4:50pm MDT
Alpine Room

Conservation/Natural Resources

4:20pm MDT

Let's Vibe Code a GIS App

Wednesday April 15, 2026 4:20pm - 4:50pm MDT

East Divide Room

Vibe coding is an ongoing conversation between human intuition and machine generation, merging precision with perception. In this talk, we’ll explore how that dialogue shapes the development of a web mapping application built with Esri’s Maps SDK for JavaScript and Calcite Design System. By iteratively refining prompts, evaluating AI-generated code, and tuning the design, we’ll trace how the “feel” of a GIS app can emerge from the workflow itself. Whether you write code already or just appreciate good vibes, this session invites you to explore how subtle process shifts can make geospatial tech come alive.

Presenters

Kenny Ketner

Information Products Lead, Montana State Library

Kenny Ketner is the Information Products Lead at the Montana State Library (MSL), where he has worked since 2016. His team is responsible for application development and systems administration, frequently in collaboration with the GIS professionals at MSL.

Wednesday April 15, 2026 4:20pm - 4:50pm MDT
East Divide Room

Geospatial/AI

4:20pm MDT

Challenges in Small Local Government GIS Operations

Wednesday April 15, 2026 4:20pm - 4:50pm MDT

West Divide Room

Discussing the challenges and freedoms that come with working as a solo GIS department. Highlighting asset management, empowering staff, growth policy, current projects.

Presenters

Kevin Fitzgerald

GIS Coordinator, City of Whitefish

GIS Coordinator for the City of Whitefish. Previously worked at Montana State University Facilities in Bozeman.

Wednesday April 15, 2026 4:20pm - 4:50pm MDT
West Divide Room

Government, AEC/Asset Management/Utilities

4:50pm MDT

Transition

Wednesday April 15, 2026 4:50pm - 5:00pm MDT

Transition

5:00pm MDT

Social Reception, Dinner, Awards and Trivia!

Wednesday April 15, 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm MDT

East/West Divide Ballroom

Wednesday April 15, 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
East/West Divide Ballroom

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