The Power of Geospatial Science: Promise and Peril

As part of National Science Week 2026 Geography Victoria is partnering with the Royal Society of Victoria to hold a symposium on  

"The possibilities and perils of geospatial science: a focus on Victoria and Melbourne."

Geospatial tools are changing the way we live, work and move around. We use them every day without thinking about it: when tracking a delivery or finding a nearby café.

Satellites, drones and sensors manage traffic, respond to emergencies, monitor disasters, and constantly track our movements. Huge spatial data sets help us see new patterns.

But all of these technologies raise questions about privacy, who controls location data, and whether everyone gets an equal say in how places are mapped and understood. 

Five fabulous speakers from industry, government and academia will give hard-hitting talks about exciting applications, but also the underappreciated potential dangers of these new technologies. 

• Alena Moison – Director, Vicmap, Department of Transport and Planning

• Kirk Mitchell - Director of Geo Partnerships at Google (Google Maps, Local Search & Google Earth) and Adjunct Professor with RMIT University, Geospatial Sciences Department

• Jathan Sadowski - Associate Professor, ARC Future Fellow Emerging Technologies Research Lab - Monash University

• Amy Griffin – Senior Lecturer in Geospatial Science, RMIT University

• Mina Jahanshahi - National Service Leader - Data Insights & Solutions at Veris Australia

Everyone is welcome to attend this event.

Location: The Royal Society of Victoria, 8 La Trobe Street, Melbourne

Date: Thursday August 20, 2026

Time: 9.00am - 11.30am (morning tea provided at 10.00am). 

Arrrival from 8.45am

General public welcome.

Cost: $10.00

This event is proudly supported by Inspiring Victoria and the Victorian Government - part of National Science Week and supported by the Royal Society of Victoria.

*Please note, the venue is a historical building and has stair-only access, and a flight of stairs up to the theatre room and amenities.