“Together, through collaboration, innovation, and the power of GIS, we can unlock new insights, tackle the world’s most urgent challenges, and create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.”
A Dynamic Gathering of Minds at AGU24
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) Annual Meeting is always a highlight of the year for anyone working in Earth science, and this year’s AGU24 was nothing short of extraordinary! Held in Washington, the conference brought together over 25,000 scientists from more than 100[AP2] countries to explore the theme, “What’s Next for Science?” It showcased the latest scientific breakthroughs and provided a platform for exploring new solutions to the world’s most critical challenges. This theme struck a powerful chord for us at Esri, as it perfectly aligned with our mission of empowering researchers and innovators to explore, analyze, and communicate the science of our changing world.
Empowering Discovery and Innovation
At AGU24, we had the opportunity to showcase how Esri’s advanced technology, including our open and flexible ArcGIS ecosystem, empowers earth scientists and researchers. Located right across from NASA at Booth #739, we invited attendees to experience firsthand how Esri’s tools—ranging from multidimensional data analysis to no-code apps—are revolutionizing research and transforming how we approach the science of our planet. Our goal was clear: demonstrating how technology can help researchers navigate complex data, discover patterns, and unlock new insights to tackle the most urgent global challenges.
The Power of Open Science: Driving Collaboration and Innovation
One of the most exciting aspects of AGU24 was the shared spirit of collaboration, with participants eager to explore how GIS can enhance their research. At Esri, we are deeply committed to the principles of open science. We advocate that making scientific data, tools, and insights accessible to everyone is key to advancing research and accelerating progress. Through platforms like ArcGIS Hub, ArcGIS StoryMaps, and Learn ArcGIS, we are helping researchers collaborate across disciplines, engage with communities, and share their findings more transparently. These tools exemplify how openness fosters innovation, breaks down barriers, and drives collective action
Esri’s Collaborating for Global Impact
We inspired our commitment to advancing Earth science through innovation and collaboration. Beyond our booth, where we engaged with thousands of attendees and coordinated 12 booth staff members, we played a key role in critical conversations at town hall meetings and section sessions, including those with the AGU Informatics Group and Earth Science Information Partners. Our contributions were also reflected in a wide range of presentations and sessions coauthored by Esri experts in collaboration with esteemed partners like NASA, NOAA, the USGS, and other federal agencies. Topics covered included climate resilience, predictive modeling, and the use of AI in Earth science. From showcasing groundbreaking solutions like the Climate Resilience Information System (CRIS), advancing the integration of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in preparation for NASA’s NISAR mission, to the development of NASA’s Earth imagery archives, Esri continues to demonstrate how geospatial technologies are vital in addressing the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, enabling smarter decision-making, and enhancing global understanding.
A Hub of Learning and Connection
Our booth was a space for conversation and connection. Our booth buzzed with energy as scientists, students, and professionals gathered to explore how GIS can enhance their work. Through live demonstrations of innovative solutions, like predictive modeling for aboveground biomass, climate resilience planning, and integrating AI to expand the spectral ranges of UAS imagery, it was clear that geospatial technologies are at the forefront of some of the most groundbreaking advancements in Earth and environmental science.
Invited scientists shared their research, asked questions, and explored how Esri tools could support their efforts. With our team of experts at the ready, the Esri booth became a hub for collaboration, fostering connections that could lead to transformative discoveries and solutions.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Our booth provided a space for students, early-career professionals, and those looking to connect with like-minded individuals in the Earth Sciences community. Through engaging presentations and our demo theater, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) and how it can help them grow their professional network and make valuable connections. This experience highlighted our commitment to inspiring the next generation of GIS professionals and supporting their growth within the field.
Mapping the Way to a Brighter Future
However, perhaps the most exciting thing is the ongoing collaboration between Esri and users across the globe who are applying geographic information systems to solve some of the most urgent challenges of our time. From climate resilience planning in coastal regions to wildfire modeling and community engagement with glacial geomorphology, the work being done by our users is nothing short of inspiring.
At Esri, we recognize that the world’s most pressing challenges—environmental sustainability, social inequality, and global instability—are deeply interconnected. We have seen how a geographic approach can play a meaningful role in addressing these issues holistically and collaboratively. As the scientific community moves forward, we are grateful to contribute by supporting researchers, educators, and decision-makers with the tools they need to make informed decisions and work toward a more sustainable and equitable world.
Looking to the Future: Continuing the Journey Together
Looking ahead, Esri remains committed to supporting Earth sciences with technology that fosters collaboration, accelerates discovery, and inspires action. Our message at AGU24 was clear: the future of science is not only about what we know but how we share and use that knowledge to create a better, more sustainable world.
Thank You for Joining Us on This Journey
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who visited us at AGU24. Your passion, curiosity, and dedication to making the world a better place inspire us every day. We look forward to continuing the conversation, sharing insights, and empowering communities across the globe with the tools they need to address our planet’s most pressing challenges.
Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of science and sustainability.To learn more about Esri’s presence at AGU24 and the work we’re doing to support Earth science, visit our landing page: https://www.esri.com/en-us/c/events/esri-at-agu24
It was our Honor
We were honored to play an integral role in this dynamic event, contributing to the conversation on how geospatial technology can empower the next generation of research and help solve some of our planet’s most urgent issues. Through technology and collaboration, we are excited to continue uncovering the mysteries of our world and drive impactful change for the future.
