Geo Week 2025, held in Denver from February 10–12, was the largest in its history, attracting 3,222 participants from 49 countries—an 8% increase from 2024. Despite bitter cold, the event was abuzz with energy as professionals gathered to explore the latest advancements in geospatial technology. With 215 exhibiting companies, the event provided a platform for industry leaders to showcase innovations, discuss challenges, and celebrate progress.
Keynotes and Plenary Sessions
The conference officially opened with a keynote on the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, highlighting the geospatial efforts to maintain and develop the massive facility.
The following day, a significant session reflected on the Baltimore tragedy involving the container ship Dali and the Frances Scott Key Bridge. Speakers from the Army Geospatial Center and NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey discussed emergency response efforts, highlighting the role of geospatial intelligence in disaster management. However, private-sector contributions to data collection remained largely unmentioned.
The final morning featured a compelling plenary by USGS speakers on the near-completion of the 3DEP program, with future plans to incorporate bathymetric data. The achievement—covering nearly the entire U.S. with high-quality elevation data—was presented with an understated confidence, reinforcing USGS’s dedication to delivering public-domain geospatial resources.
Exhibition Highlights and World Lidar Day
The exhibition floor was a focal point, featuring both established industry giants and emerging innovators. Companies like GeoCue, LiDAR USA, Phoenix LiDAR Systems, and YellowScan showcased their latest UAV-based and vehicle-mounted lidar solutions, adapting to advancements in sensor technology.
Software and service companies were also well represented. NV5, following acquisitions of L3 Harris Geospatial Solutions and DAT/EM, has transitioned into both a services and software company. Meanwhile, long-standing firms like Woolpert, Dewberry, SAM, and Tuck Mapping Solutions demonstrated the sustained demand for geospatial expertise.
Another highlight was the World Lidar Day panel discussion on February 12, hosted by yours truly. The panel featured industry experts discussing their experiences in lidar, current trends, and the future of the technology. The event drew a standing-room-only audience, including students and industry veterans. Throughout the venue, World Lidar Day was celebrated with themed decorations, graphics, and promotional giveaways, including t-shirts provided by Woolpert.
Looking Ahead
As Geo Week concluded, attendees reflected on its growing status in the geospatial industry. By combining previously separate events such as the SPAR conference and ILMF, Geo Week has become the leading geomatics-focused event in North America for product discovery and networking all under one roof. For those in the geospatial field, these industry gatherings remain essential. With careful planning, attendees can maximize their experience and stay ahead in this rapidly evolving sector. Save the date: Geo Week 2026 will return to Denver on February 16–18.
Note: This is a condensed version of the show recap by Dr. A. Stewart Walker, Managing Editor, LIDAR Magazine that appeared online at lidarmag.com.