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Mandate:

The YPN Committee works to organize webinars, connect with members and learn from other young GIS professionals within seven years of working in the field.

Are you a young GIS Professional looking to grow your network and provide guidance and professional skills to the up and coming GIS future? BeSpatial’s Young Professionals Committee is looking for new committee members. The YPN Committee works to organize webinars, connect with members and learn from other young GIS professionals within seven years of working in the field.

Join the YPN at the BeSpatial AGM

Join the Young Professional Network at the AGM in May each year!

Heartfelt thanks - the YPN is graciously supported by an annual Sponsorship from Dr. Barry Wellar

. C.M., GISP, Past President, URISA.org (1978), Professor Emeritus, University Of Ottawa, President, Information Research Board. 

"Barry Wellar is a trailblazer in the field of geographic information science (GIS). Professor emeritus at the University of Ottawa, he has been a strong advocate for the field’s recognition as a legitimate domain of scientific inquiry as well as a fundamental research tool. He pioneered the use of GIS applications in public-sector planning at all levels of government, particularly within the urban context. His leadership within the field, both in academia and industry, is extensive and lauded."

In 2011, Barry was inducted into the URISA GIS Hall of Fame.  His contributions as a leader in the field are abundant and we are honored to acknowledge his ongoing contribution in support of to BeSpatial's Young Professional Network. 

Bio: Dr. Barry Wellar graduated from Queen’s University and Northwestern University (MS, PhD). He is President, Information Research Board; Professor Emeritus, University of Ottawa; Distinguished (ret.) Research Fellow, Transport Action Canada; Research Advisor Emeritus, Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods; and Distinguished Research Scientist, Lab for Applied Geomatics and GIS Science, University of Ottawa. Dr. Wellar is a retired Member, Canadian Institute of Planners, and a Geographic Information Systems Professional. Dr. Wellar’s association appointments include former director and past president (1978) of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association, former director, Geography Awareness Week and GIS Day, Canadian Association of Geographers, and former chair, Applied Geography Specialty Group, Association of American Geographers. Received honors include the Horwood Award (URISA), the Anderson Medal of Honor in Applied Geography (AAG), the Service to Government Award (CAG), Citation for Achievement in Geography (Canada House of Commons), the Ullman Award in Transportation Geography, (AAG), the Award of Merit (National Association of Towns and Townships), Lifetime Achievement Award, Ontario Professional Planners Institute, induction into the GIS Hall of Fame, and appointment to the Order of Canada.

Upcoming events

    • April 13, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Google Meet
    Register


    Based on this feedback, our Community events will be held approximately every 6-8 weeks. Come to one event, or as many events as possible! 

    Network, learn, and share your community interests, goals, and struggles. We're here to support you; let's grow together.

    The BeSpatial Communities provide a forum to network with like-minded geospatial professionals, collaborate to solve business problems, and learn from industry peers.

    See you online!

    • Young Professionals - Monday, April 13st - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
    • April 20, 2026
    • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Google Meet
    Register


    Based on this feedback, our Community events will be held approximately every 6-8 weeks. Come to one event, or as many events as possible! 

    Network, learn, and share your community interests, goals, and struggles. We're here to support you; let's grow together.

    The BeSpatial Communities provide a forum to network with like-minded geospatial professionals, collaborate to solve business problems, and learn from industry peers.

    See you online!

    • Specialized Services (Construction, Engineering, Architecture, Planning, Utilities, etc.) - Monday, April 20th - 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
    • April 21, 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Google Meet
    Register


    Based on this feedback, our Community events will be held approximately every 6-8 weeks. Come to one event, or as many events as possible! 

    Network, learn, and share your community interests, goals, and struggles. We're here to support you; let's grow together.

    The BeSpatial Communities provide a forum to network with like-minded geospatial professionals, collaborate to solve business problems, and learn from industry peers.

    See you online!

    • Environment and Indigenous Peoples - Tuesday, April 21st - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
    • April 28, 2026
    • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Google Meet
    Register


    Based on this feedback, our Community events will be held approximately every 6-8 weeks. Come to one event, or as many events as possible! 

    Network, learn, and share your community interests, goals, and struggles. We're here to support you; let's grow together.

    The BeSpatial Communities provide a forum to network with like-minded geospatial professionals, collaborate to solve business problems, and learn from industry peers.

    See you online!

    • Geospatial Tech - Tuesday, April 28th - 9:30 am - 10:30 am
    • April 29, 2026
    • 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Google Meet
    Register


    BeCommunity: the official launch of the BeSpatial community groups is here! 

    Our Community events will be held approximately every 6-8 weeks. Come to one event, or as many events as possible! 

    Network, learn, and share your community interests, goals, and struggles. We're here to support you; let's grow together.

    The BeSpatial Communities provide a forum to network with like-minded geospatial professionals, collaborate to solve business problems, and learn from industry peers.

    See you online!

    • Public Health and Social Services - Wednesday, April 29th - 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
    • May 05, 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Google Meet
    Register


    Based on this feedback, our Community events will be held approximately every 6-8 weeks. Come to one event, or as many events as possible! 

    Network, learn, and share your community interests, goals, and struggles. We're here to support you; let's grow together.

    The BeSpatial Communities provide a forum to network with like-minded geospatial professionals, collaborate to solve business problems, and learn from industry peers.

    See you online!

    • Management and Executive - Tuesday, May 5th - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
    • June 18, 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Ted Rogers School of Management Commons - 55 Dundas Street West, Toronto - 7th floor
    • 150
    Register

    When: Thursday, June 18, 2026

    Time: 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM

    Where: Ted Rogers School of Management Commons,55 Jarvis Street West,  7th Floor, Toronto, Ontario

    Unlock the Power of Location Intelligence - 

    Smart Maps, Smarter Markets

    Get ready for a high impact in person experience as BeSpatial Ontario brings together the brightest minds in geospatial technology for a power‑packed day focused on commercial, and retail geospatial sectors. Note this is the first Commercially focused event we have undertaken and it should be a great experience for all.

    This is your chance to connect with innovators, decision‑makers, and practitioners who are redefining what’s possible with location‑based technology. Environics Analytics and Esri Canada will highlight how AI is changing what is possible for large and small companies alike with live demonstrations of GEO AI based solutions. The day will also include several client led presentations highlighting practical applications.

    Learn how firms are using cutting edge GIS technology and data to drive transformative insights when it comes to network planning, site selection and market analysis.  Also see how GIS practitioners are adopting Geo AI to embrace big data and where the market is trending when it comes to simplifying workflows and improving efficiency.

    Whether you’re a geospatial professional, a business leader, or simply curious about the next wave of geospatial innovation, this event delivers practical knowledge, inspiring case studies, and valuable networking opportunities.

    Expect bold ideas, practical takeaways, and the kind of connections that move projects, and careers, forward. This is your chance to be in the room where Ontario’s geospatial future is being built.

    Don’t just keep up. Geospatial intelligence and BeSpatial Ontario will keep you a step ahead.

Past events

March 05, 2026 BeCommunity Meet and Greet - Public Health and Social Services
March 03, 2026 BeCommunity Meet and Greet - Geospatial Tech
March 02, 2026 BeCommunity Meet and Greet - Management and Executive
February 26, 2026 BeCommunity Meet and Greet - Environment and Indigenous Peoples
February 24, 2026 BeCommunity Meet and Greet - Specialized Services
January 19, 2026 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's Interviewing Clients 101
October 01, 2025 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's Mentorship Program
July 30, 2025 BeSpatial’s Young Professionals Network presents GIS Open Source Software: Free isn't always bad!
March 26, 2025 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's Map It Right: Techniques for Clear and Accessible Map Design
February 19, 2025 BeSpatial’s YPN presents Global Valentine's Trivia!
December 02, 2024 Young Professionals Network's Map the Halls: GIS Holiday Hunt!
November 13, 2024 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's GISP Exam 101
September 11, 2024 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network presents GIS Professional Panel
July 31, 2024 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network presents Esri User Conference Recap
June 19, 2024 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network presents Working with ArcGIS Field Maps and Arcade
March 27, 2024 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network presents Have your Survey123 and PDF Form Too!
February 27, 2024 BeAdaptive - virtual event - Seneca Polytechnic Newnham Campus
February 07, 2024 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's Drones in Canada
December 14, 2023 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network presents – GIS Holiday Trivia!
November 28, 2023 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's GISP Exam 101
October 30, 2023 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's Mentorship Program
March 27, 2023 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's Working with APIs in GIS
March 17, 2023 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's MApps Contest
January 17, 2023 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's Introduction to FME in GIS
December 07, 2022 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's Open Source GIS with Cliff Patterson
November 03, 2022 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's GISP Exam 101
October 26, 2022 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's Professional Development and Advancing Your Career
September 28, 2022 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network's Back to School Social & Mentorship Launch
April 07, 2022 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network presents – GISP Exam 101
October 07, 2021 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network presents – GIS Trivia Day!
June 17, 2021 BeSpatial’s Young Professional Network presents – GISP Exam 101
March 22, 2021 BeSpatial YPN’s Talk to a Geospatial Hiring Manager
December 14, 2020 BeSpatial YPN December Virtual Social - Ask me anything!
September 23, 2020 BeSpatial: A Special Virtual Program Event with AGM meeting
September 21, 2020 BeSpatial Young Professional Network Fall Social
May 05, 2020 BeSpatial: COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall
April 25, 2018 Northern Ontario GIS Users Event
November 08, 2017 Learn What I Learned
September 22, 2017 22nd Annual Geodetic Picnic
September 22, 2017 2017 Open and Smart Communities Forum
May 04, 2017 FME and Asset Management Workshop
October 31, 2016 GIS-Pro 2016
May 05, 2016 BIM Workshop by Consortech
October 20, 2015 Asset Management

About Us

We are recognized as the premier geospatial and information non-profit organization in Ontario. where members share their experiences through networking and program events for the use and integration of spatial data, information, applications and technologies that provide solutions and solve challenges in both the public and private sectors.


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Show your commitment to the Geospatial Community by joining us. Be part of a dynamic geospatial and information community whose mandate is to advance the effective application of spatial and information to enable business services and decision making.  

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 Discounts and member-only events.

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