The Power of Geospatial Science: Promise and Peril

Explore how location-based technologies shape everyday life at The Power of Geospatial Science: Promise and Peril, a National Science Week symposium presented by Geography Victoria in partnership with the Royal Society of Victoria. Geospatial tools are involved whenever people track a delivery, locate a nearby café or navigate a city, while satellites, drones and sensors also support traffic management, emergency response and disaster monitoring. Five speakers from industry, government and academia will examine both the powerful applications and the less visible risks of geospatial science. The program considers how large spatial datasets reveal patterns and support decision-making, while asking important questions about privacy, surveillance, control of location data and whether communities receive an equal voice in how places are mapped and understood. The event is designed to make the opportunities and challenges of these technologies accessible to a general public audience. The symposium runs from 9:00am to 11:30am on Thursday 20 August 2026 at the Royal Society of Victoria, 8 La Trobe Street, Melbourne. Arrival is available from 8:45am and morning tea is provided at 10:00am. Everyone is welcome, including students, educators, professionals and members of the public interested in geography, mapping, GIS, technology, cities, data and public policy. Tickets are $10, excluding any booking fee, and must be booked through the official Humanitix page. The organiser lists registered service animals as an accessibility feature; attendees with other access requirements should contact Geography Victoria at geographyvic@gmail.com before booking. Refunds are available through Humanitix up to seven days before the event.