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

"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.