The place to see geospatial’s future

As our world continues to evolve during the Fourth Industrial Revolution, professional surveyors and geodesists find themselves at the centre of the movement. Much of our world has become geospatially driven, so staying in front of the technology involved has become more important than ever. The International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) and its members from around the world gather on an annual basis to encourage attendees to expand their knowledge of their beloved profession. It is this thirst for knowledge and curiosity about new technology that drives the profession to be a leader in geospatial data. But where does one go to see where the future of geospatial information lies? Welcome to Intergeo!

Throughout history, milestone events and exhibitions have captivated audiences with announcements and demonstrations highlighting innovative ideas, technologies, and inventions that revolutionize our world. The Great Exhibition, held in London in 1851 and considered the first ‘world’s fair’, introduced the steam engine and the telegraph to the masses. Subsequent gatherings allowed the introduction of the Ferris wheel, X-ray machine and the telephone.

In modern times, various industries and professions utilize large exhibitions to introduce the latest technologies for their practitioners and users. The more commonly known events include:

• Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the gold standard in introducing the latest technology
• Art Basel, a series of events for promoting the latest in modern and contemporary art
• Chicago Auto Show, known for the introduction of the latest cars, trucks and vehicle technology.

Surveying and geomatics practitioners have been fortunate to have the same opportunity for over 150 years, nearly the same amount of time FIG has been in existence. The first German Geodesy Day, Deutscher Geodätentag, was held in Eisenach, Germany, in 1872. This commemorative event remained a one-day celebration until 1925, when it was expanded to the first Deutsche Geodätische Woche (German Geodetic Week). This event was held in Cologne, Germany, from 4-8 August and featured a variety of topics centred on the surveyor and geodesist.

In 1995, DVW – Gesellschaft für Geodäsie, Geoinformation und Landmanagement (the German Association for Geodesy, Geoinformation and Land Management) rebranded the German Geodetic Week to Intergeo. Since then, this event has become a central attraction to geodesists and surveyors not just within FIG, but from around the world. What started simply as an expanded educational conference with an attached trade fair has turned into the place to be for introducing and unveiling the latest in geospatial technology.

The two organizations – FIG and DVW – converged in 2006 when FIG’s XXIII Congress was held in conjunction with Intergeo at the International Congress Center Munich (ICM). This collaboration resulted in the largest attendance for a FIG Congress to date, as it attracted over 3,000 members. The overall attendance for Intergeo that year was approximately 19,500, and both organizations deemed it a success.

In the years that followed that successful venture, FIG and its members have continued to flock to Germany every autumn to visit the unique geospatial exposition. Intergeo continues to provide our beloved profession with opportunities to see the latest in innovation from established vendors as well as up-and-coming entrepreneurs. We anticipate Intergeo 2025 in Frankfurt will not disappoint.

Further reading
Intergeo: from geodetic roots to global innovation hub.