2026 Big Sky GeoCon - From Data to Design

Effective geospatial governance is key to building a strong and sustainable GIS for your organization. In this session, we’ll explore how policies, tools, and web applications can be implemented to create a reliable GIS framework that promotes efficiency and reusability.

We’ll share the Montana State Library’s experience in developing a geospatial governance policy, including insights from our working policy documents, scripting tools, and dashboards. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on leveraging these resources to establish or enhance their own geospatial governance strategies.

This presentation will provide an overview and update on the MSDI Administrative Boundaries Framework including Geo-Enabled Elections, U.S. Census Bureau Programs, Managed Areas, and the MSDI Administrative Boundaries Framework Data Quality Assessment Matrix and Improvement Plan.

Preparations for the 2030 Census and Redistricting are underway. Every ten years and prior to each Decennial Census, the Census Bureau publishes a new set of census block boundaries. The Block Boundary Suggestion Project provides local government officials with the opportunity to suggest changes to census block boundaries that better represent current legal boundaries (e.g. voting precincts and legislative districts). This opportunity only happens once every ten years and the deadline for submission is May 29, 2026. This presentation will provide an overview of the program, the process for submitting block boundary suggestions, and status of changes in Montana.

The Montana State Library is the steward of the Montana Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI) Cadastral Framework. This theme includes the datasets of the OwnerParcels, Public Lands, Conservation Easements and the Public Land Survey System (PLSS). This presentation will provide an update about the Cadastral Framework data. Secondly, a review of the Cadastral Data Quality Assessment & Data Value Improvement will be discussed & feedback from the audience is welcome.

This presentation will share tips and techniques for transforming LiDAR datasets into stunning visuals. Learn how to leverage color schemes, shading, and perspective to highlight terrain features and patterns in ways that are aesthetically engaging.

This panel brings together Montana GIS managers, accessibility practitioners, and federal and local government representatives to discuss practical approaches to improving geospatial accessibility. Panelists will share lessons learned from statewide collaborations, working‑group efforts, and real‑world ADA Title II and Section 508 WCAG compliance challenges within GIS programs. The discussion will also include engagement with Esri on software design, configuration, and engineering efforts that support accessible mapping. Attendees will take away practical insights and actionable steps for advancing accessible geospatial services.

Join members of the Montana Geospatial Information Advisory Council for a dynamic discussion on the evolving landscape of statewide geospatial coordination. Panelists will share what inspired them to join the Council, how their service has influenced their work, and how emerging technologies—such as AI-driven analytics, real-time sensor networks, and cloud-native GIS—are reshaping agency operations across Montana.

The conversation will explore leadership challenges and opportunities, including prioritizing initiatives with limited resources, supporting local and tribal governments, navigating competing stakeholder needs, and advocating for policy and funding. Panelists will also look ahead to the next five years, offering insights on the skills GIS professionals will need, the future of statewide collaboration, and what success looks like for Montana’s geospatial community.

This session offers a unique opportunity to explore with the Council their role in guiding Montana's geospatial strategy and a forward-focused dialogue on strengthening the state's geospatial ecosystem.