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. 

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.

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. 

Our speakers include:

• Alena Moison – Director, Vicmap, Department of Transport and Planning
• Kirk Mitchell - Director of Geo Partnerships at Google 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.

An Inspiring Victoria event - 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 to the theatre room and amenities.