Evolving Role of National Mapping Agencies – Transitioning towards Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure

Yasunori Yamamoto is a Fellow and Senior Evangelist with over 30 years of experience at Oracle, including time at a company acquired by Oracle. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in bridging technology and business, specializing in communicating complex innovations in ways that inspire both customers and partners. Yamamoto is known for his unique ability to build strong relationships with R&D executives, creating trust and collaboration across global teams. His deep understanding of enterprise technology and natural communication skills have positioned him as a key figure in promoting Oracle's vision and value in times of major technological transformation. Recently, his work has focused on the AI paradigm shift, where he passionately articulates Oracle�s strategic role in this evolving landscape. Whether speaking to industry leaders, developers, or business stakeholders, Yamamoto delivers insights that connect cutting-edge technology with real-world impact. Fluent in Japanese and English, Yamamoto continues to serve as a vital bridge between innovation and execution, helping organizations navigate the future with clarity and confidence.

Len Kne, GISP, is the Director of U-Spatial at the University of Minnesota, where he leads a nationally recognized program supporting spatial research and the application of geospatial technologies across a wide range of disciplines. With over two decades of experience, Len has worked in higher education, government, construction, and non-profit sectors, bringing a practical and collaborative approach to the advancement of geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data science. Len holds both a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Resource Management and a Master of Geographic Information Science from the University of Minnesota. As a faculty member in the Master of Geographic Information Science program, he teaches courses on project management, spatial databases, and technology-focused graduate seminars, helping to train the next generation of geospatial professionals. At U-Spatial, Len is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of spatial thinkers by providing leadership, resources, and training for researchers and students. He has played a pivotal role in building U-Spatial into a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting projects that range from environmental analysis and urban planning to public health and digital humanities. His expertise in project management and spatial data infrastructure has helped numerous research teams leverage geospatial technologies for innovative solutions. Len is also active in the broader geospatial community, serving on advisory boards and participating in national conversations about the future of spatial science. His work reflects a deep commitment to expanding the use of GIS and spatial analysis to address complex societal challenges and to empowering others through education and collaboration.

Greg Scott is the Executive Director of the SDG Data Alliance at the PVBLIC Foundation, bringing over 30 years of experience in the geospatial and data sectors. In this role, he leads efforts to advance the use of data and geospatial strategies in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation across governments, international organizations, and the private sector. Dr. Scott is recognized for his leadership in global data initiatives, including his recent work presenting the SIDS Global Data Hub at the SIDS4 Conference and his participation in major workshops and forums dedicated to sustainable development and geospatial strategies. His career reflects a commitment to leveraging data for resilient futures and inclusive progress, particularly in regions such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and landlocked developing countries. With a distinguished reputation in the international geospatial community, Greg Scott continues to drive impactful solutions and partnerships that empower data-driven decision-making for sustainable development worldwide.

John P. Wilson, Ph.D., is Professor of Spatial Sciences and Sociology at the University of Southern California (USC) and the founding director of USC's Spatial Sciences Institute. He also holds adjunct appointments in the USC School of Architecture, the Keck School of Medicine's Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, and the Viterbi School of Engineering. Dr. Wilson's research focuses on modeling environmental systems using geographic information systems (GIS), spatial analysis, fieldwork, and computer modeling. His work is highly interdisciplinary, exploring the relationships between society, environment, and human health. He is widely published, having edited influential volumes such as Terrain Analysis: Principles and Applications, Handbook of Geographic Information Science, and Environmental Applications of Digital Terrain Modeling. A recognized leader in geographic information science, Dr. Wilson founded the journal Transactions in GIS in 1996 and continues to serve as its Editor-in-Chief. He has served on the editorial boards of several major journals and has played key roles in the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS), including as President and as leader of the GIS&T Body of Knowledge 2.0 project. Dr. Wilson's achievements have been honored with awards such as the UCGIS Lifetime Achievement in GIScience Education Award, election as a UCGIS Fellow, and the Albert S. Raubenheimer Outstanding Faculty Award at USC. He has held visiting appointments at leading institutions worldwide and earned his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Toronto, as well as degrees in geography and law from the University of Canterbury. Dr. Wilson's career is marked by his commitment to advancing spatial sciences and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.