At the COGS Industry Expo, there were presentations on both AI and GIS. These two technologies form a significant part of the curriculum in Lawrencetown. In my mind, it raised the question whether the human resource and technology was being shared with municipal government and businesses in the Annapolis Valley. I had noted that Adam Kemp, Valley REN presented at the Expo.
Meanwhile, Edward Wedler has been having a chat session with Gemini AI on the value of having a Nova Scotia conference on Geospatial AI for RENs and Counties in Nova Scotia.
Edward also shared a link to an Esri video on Geospatial AI.
The next steps.
Are the COGS faculty and students interested in hosting a conference on Geospatial AI for the RENs and Counties in Nova Scotia? Are the RENs and Counties interested in attracting businesses to the region, and accessing the human and technology resource at COGS?
The answer to these questions lie with the NSCC (COGS) and the Valley REN. My role, here, is as an engaged, somewhat informed (on GIS) citizen.
This week I picked up tickets to the Banff Mountain Film Festival at Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal. Because of the weather, it has now been rescheduled to Sunday, March 1st ,2 pm. C’est la vie!
Yesterday, Heather and I extended our walk around Middleton Riverside Park to include the rails to trails loop back to Highway #1. Fortunately, the occasional snowmobile has compressed the snow on the trail.
Acknowledgements
The knowledge of AI from Edward Wedler is critical.
Reference
Esri video on Geospatial Information Systems, including commentary from visionary leaders, such as economist, Columbia University professor, and former Director of The Earth Institute, Jeffrey D Sachs.
POSTSCRIPT SUMMARY FROM AN ONLINE INQUIRY INTO COGS AND AI
The Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS) at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) in Lawrencetown is increasingly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its specialized geomatics and geospatial training programs. As Canada’s largest geomatics-focused institution, COGS is adapting its curriculum to include machine learning, remote sensing, and advanced data analytics.
Here is an overview of AI at COGS and within the broader Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) system:
AI in Geomatics at COGS
Industry Connection: COGS hosts industry expos and partners with organizations that are increasingly leveraging AI in GIS, such as Esri Canada.
Integrating AI with Geospatial Data: Instructors at COGS are exploring the potential of AI, particularly concerning geomatics and geographic sciences, to enhance analysis of geospatial data.
Programs: The Geospatial Data Analytics program focuses heavily on modern data, and students may work with AI-related technologies.
Projects: Students and faculty are looking into “geospatial moonshots” where AI is used for analyzing and interpreting complex geographic information.
NOTE
Artificial Intelligence is making GIS more powerful, transforming operations, decision making, efficiency, and growth. Check out this short Geospatial AI introductory video from Esri.
Ernest Blair Experiment 