2026 Big Sky GeoCon - From Data to Design

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.

Illegal dumping in remote areas has surged by up to 30%, threatening ecosystems and public health. Traditional monitoring methods can’t keep pace—limited access and resources leave agencies reactive instead of proactive. This presentation highlights how satellite imagery and AI analytics revolutionize enforcement. Using Antelope Valley, CA as a case study, we’ll show how high-resolution imagery, cloud-based detection, and GIS dashboards cut patrol time, improve safety, and accelerate investigations. We’ll share a vision for AI-driven tools that turn complex geospatial data into actionable strategies, enabling agencies to protect natural resources and combat dumping with unprecedented efficiency.

This presentation demonstrates how large geospatial datasets can be transformed into practical, accessible tools for infrastructure management. Leveraging satellite, airborne, unmanned, terrestrial, and mobile lidar; multispectral and hyperspectral imagery; 3D scanning; and advanced GIS analytics, the session outlines workflows for converting raw spatial data into usable products. Case studies highlight mobile lidar–based gravel road condition assessments, AI-driven impervious surface classification, and 3D web scene visualization built from publicly available lidar. Emphasis is placed on automation, semantic segmentation, data reduction, and streamlined delivery formats that support capital improvement planning, engineering design, infrastructure management, and emergency response. Leveraging advances in web-optimized data formats, 3D visualization, web-based GIS mapping applications, GeoAI, workflow automations, this presentation demonstrates how complex datasets can be distilled and shared across departments and with the public to improve transparency and decision-making. Together, these integrated technologies provide scalable, cost-effective solutions for modern infrastructure management under operational and budget constraints.

Your city, county and state has lidar available. Lidar is a key foundation dataset that can help inform decisions of land managers, but it often goes unused. Whether you need to locate exactly where your culverts are, create an enhanced hydrography dataset to map water flow, find closed depressions for water quality studies, analyze slopes for ordinance review, or you need to assess the risk of soil erosion vulnerability, analysis of LiDAR can put your data to work to help derive answers for departments across your organization. In this presentation, we will discuss lidar base specifications in the state, dive into detailed lidar derivatives and then look at some solutions you can produce so you can start planning for your projects today.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) is revolutionizing hydrographic data by integrating high-resolution elevation data with hydrographic features through Elevation-Derived Hydrography (EDH). This presentation will showcase the enhanced accuracy and utility of EDH data in applications including improved flood modeling, watershed management, and precise mapping for engineering projects. Additionally, the session will explore collaboration opportunities with federal, state, local, and private entities to build a comprehensive hydrographic data ecosystem.