The Society for Conservation GIS would like to invite you to its 16th Annual Conference, to be held July 16-18, 2013 at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Monterey, California.
The Theme for 2013 is "Marine & Freshwater Conservation"
Life depends on water. Oceans, estuaries, rivers, lakes, streams – they make up the natural systems that no one can live without. They support an abundance of life on earth, providing food, energy, medicines and livelihoods across the globe. Given the constant draw from these precious resources, it is not surprising that they are in trouble right now. Pollution, overdevelopment, overfishing, and climate change are only a few of the major dangers to our waters. As our lives depend on marine and freshwater health, it is in our best interest to find solutions that will improve our relationship with the water that sustains us.
This year’s conference will focus on Marine & Freshwater conservation. Our keynote speaker will be chosen from these fields and we will have panel discussions dedicated to important marine and freshwater topics. However, paper sessions and technical workshops will not be limited to the topics of marine and freshwater. As always, we welcome a variety of subjects to be included in the conference.
Who Should Attend
Made up of conservationists, geographers, scientists, students, managers, educators, and more, SCGIS is a diverse group of professionals dedicated to using GIS to achieve conservation goals. If you share similar interests and are willing to learn and share, please consider this the conference for you. And unlike other conferences where you are constantly hustled from one place to the next, you will be given time to talk to people: meals are shared, there are socials, and plenty of down-time between sessions to ask questions and share experiences with fellow attendees.
Also unique to this conference is the
international scholars program. These scholars come from many different countries, including: Brazil, Cameroon, Indonesia/South-East Asia, Kenya, Latin America, Nepal, Russia, Philippines, Slovenia, South Africa, and Uganda. These scholars present projects they are working on in their respective home countries, and it is always enlightening to hear their unique perspectives on conservation issues.
Important Dates and Deadlines
|
January 16
|
- Abstract Submission Opens
- Conference Registration Opens
|
|
March 15
|
- Abstract Submission Closes
|
|
April 19
|
- Notification of abstract acceptance will be sent via email*
|
|
June 14
|
- Online Registration Closes
(You will still be able to register onsite)
- Last day to reserve a room at Asilomar in the SCGIS block
|
* This date is subject to change. If you are unsure about your acceptance status, please email
conference@scgis.orgConference Registration Fees
REGISTER HERE!$60 Students (includes new membership)*
$170 Members
$250 Non-Members
*Special registration rate for students! If you are currently enrolled as a student, conference registration is only $60! This includes a new, one-year membership if you are not a member already. First, sign up at the "basic" level ($20), then return to this page to register (you will be charged the remaining $40).
|
Monday, July 15
|
- Pre-Conference Workshops
- Field Trip(s) (TBD)
- On-site registration & reception begins at 6PM
|
|
Tuesday, July 16
|
- Opening Session
- Keynote Address
- Panel Discussions
- Paper & Technical Sessions
- Map Gallery Opening
|
|
Wednesday, July 17
|
- Panel Discussions
- Paper & Technical Sessions
- Membership Meeting (held during lunch)
- Auction
|
|
Thursday, July 18
|
- Closing Session
(Conference ends at noon)
|
Presentations
Abstract submission for the 2013 Conference is now closed.
Map Gallery
Show off your best maps at the Map Gallery Reception on Tuesday evening, July 16. This is a casual event where you may talk to fellow attendees about your map, get feedback, discuss your work, and see what others are doing. No abstract or application required. You may print your own map and bring it to Asilomar with you, or you may submit a digital copy here http://registration.esri.com/spa/spa_p1_authors.aspx?oc=10&cc=112100326516, and Esri will print and deliver the map to Asilomar. Electronic Specifications: PDF only (include all fonts or convert to outlines) 20 MB Limit. Please submit at print size 24x36.
If you need your map printed by Esri, the deadline to submit a digital copy is April 15.
Pre-Conference Workshops
We are fortunate to be able to offer three excellent pre-conference workshops this year. Size limit per class is 20 people. You will be notified if you are wait-listed.
1. Using ArcGIS Spatial Analyst and ModelBuilder for Habitat Analysis
By John Schaeffer, Juniper GIS
Cost: $75 Members, $125 Non-Members
This course introduces participants to the Spatial Analyst extension by working through several projects. The first project illustrates basic raster functionality by determining wildland fire hazard zones. The second project demonstrates more advanced analysis to locate sites for elephant conservation zones in Kenya and to do cost path analysis to find the least-cost path between an elephant herd and a reserve area. This class will cover the following topics:
-
Understanding raster GIS
-
Using DEM elevation files
-
Using Map Algebra for spatial analysis
-
Using the Raster Calculator
-
Cost Distance Analysis
-
Analysis properties & commands
-
Distance, Viewshed & Proximity Grids
-
Using GRID commands
-
Site Suitability Analysis
2. Tools, Concepts, and Case Studies in Marine Spatial Planning
By Steve Schill, The Nature Conservancy
Cost: $75 Members, $125 Non-Members
Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a process that brings together multiple users of the ocean to make informed and coordinated decisions about how to use marine resources sustainably. The goal of MSP is to achieve an optimal balance of marine resource use by reducing conflicts between users and maintaining ecological processes and the ecosystem services they support. This course will provide an overview of the MSP process, which is often facilitated by the use of GIS-based tools. We will review a variety of MSP case studies, discussing the following topics:
-
Techniques for stakeholder participation
-
Tools that can be used to map important ecological areas and current human uses
-
Modeling and assessing cumulative impacts, conflicts, and compatibilities
-
Tools for creating and visualizing alternative spatial-use scenarios and analyzing tradeoffs
-
Investigating methods for ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change in coastal areas
3. SeaSketch
By Will McClintock and Evan Paul
Cost: $75 Members, $125 Non-Members
SeaSketch (www.seasketch.org) is a software service for collaborative GeoDesign and marine spatial planning. In this workshop, we will review how SeaSketch is currently being used for marine spatial planning around the world, and lead each workshop participant through the process of setting up their own SeaSketch project. Using SeaSketch, each participant will (a) define their geography of interest, (b) upload existing map services from ArcGIS online into SeaSketch, (c) create and invite users and groups to participate in their project, (d) define "sketch classes" for marine management zones, (e) create map-based discussion forums, and (f) create a simple geospatial survey to collect data on human uses of the ocean. As such, workshop participants will gain an overview on how to build an end-to-end, web-based mapping solution for marine spatial planning.
Please use this form to reserve a room. Be sure to follow the instructions on the form! Room and board are managed by Asilomar separately from the SCGIS. Please direct any questions or issues regarding housing to Asilomar - (831) 372-8016 - http://www.visitasilomar.com/
|
4 Nights: July 14 – July 18
|
|
|
|
Historic
|
Standard
|
|
Single
|
$790.76
|
Single
|
$945.00
|
|
Double
|
$544.76
|
Double
|
$624.80
|
|
3 Nights: July 15 - July 18
|
|
|
|
Historic
|
Standard
|
|
Single
|
$598.07
|
Single
|
$714.20
|
|
Double
|
$413.57
|
Double
|
$473.60
|
All prices include meals and a $20 processing fee charged by Asilomar.
If funds are an issue, we recommend that you register early and bunk with a buddy in order to get the "historic double" rate ($413.57 for room and meals!). If you don’t have anyone to room with, indicate on the hotel registration form that you would like to be assigned a same-gender roommate by the hotel.
Not Staying at Asilomar?
If you are commuting to the conference, please note that Asilomar charges a small fee for you to enter the grounds; this fee will be covered by SCGIS. Go to the front desk and pick up a guest pass before attending your first SCGIS event.
If you would like to eat meals with the rest of the group, you will have to purchase meal tickets at the front desk. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all variably priced from $15 - $30. You can buy each meal separately if you wish.
Here are links to other places to stay in the Monterey Area:
-
-
Campgrounds*Campgrounds may require reservations. Please research this option before you arrive in Monterey!
Transportation and Directions
Asilomar Conference Grounds
800 Asilomar Boulevard
PO Box 537
Pacific Grove CA 93950
Tel: (831) 372-8016
Fax: (831) 372-7227
Sales Office: (831) 642-4222
Leisure Reservations: (866) 654-2878
E-mail:
AsilomarSales@DNCinc.comView Pacific Grove Lodging in a larger map
From the North and the Nearest Airport (San Jose)
The San Jose International Airport (SJC) is the nearest major port and about 75 miles north of Asilomar. San Francisco (SFO) and Oakland (OAK) International Airports are each approximately 35 miles north of San Jose. From SJC, take Interstate Highway 101 south towards Gilroy. Take State Highway 156 west towards Monterey Peninsula. Turn south on State Highway 1. Exit at Highway 68 West to Pacific Grove. Stay on Highway 68 for 3.5 miles until it becomes a city street called Forest Avenue. Continue on Forest Avenue for .4 miles and make a left turn onto Sinex Avenue. In just under 1 mile, Sinex Avenue ends at the front gates to Asilomar.
From the East (Salinas/Highway 101)
Take Highway 68 West from Salinas. Turn south on Highway 1 (approximately 15 miles). From Highway 1 take Highway 68 West into Pacific Grove and proceed as above.
Links
*
Asilomar Conference Grounds *
San Jose International Airport (SJC)*
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)*
Oakland International Airport (OAK) *
Monterey - Salinas Transit (With bus service from San Jose)
AuctionEvery year at the conference we hold a silent and live auction to fund the SCGIS scholarship program. It's a super fun event that's always a highlight of the conference. Where do the auction items come from, you ask? They come from your generous donations!
We invite you to donate an item to the auction as a way to show your support for SCGIS. Past auctions have seen unique and exotic items from many countries and diverse cultures. Ideas for donations include artwork, pottery, masks, baskets, carvings, jewelry, books, musical instruments, photographs, specialty foods, alcoholic beverages, vacation opportunities, or anything else you can think of. No item is too large, small, or unusual, and all donations are greatly appreciated. Consider items from your own travels that you're ready to part with, or enlist the generosity of a talented family member or friend to create an item for the auction. We will display a summary statement with each item that can tell its story, so please include information on the origin, cultural meaning, or any other special significance of the item.
Even if you don’t have an item to donate, please come to the auction ready to bid on items and socialize with your fellow conference attendees. You'll be sure to treasure any purchase as a memento of the wonderful times and ideas we all share at the annual SCGIS conference.
Let's make this year's event a huge success! If you have any questions, email
auction@scgis.org.
Additional QuestionsPlease feel free to contact us with questions: Conference@scgis.org