My first time at SDSW…and I was blown away
Author: Adam Douglas, Senior Account Manager - Utilities
As a first-time attendee at SDSW and a new starter to 1Spatial, I was blown away (no pun intended with Storm Ciaran) by the calibre of not only the speakers but the attendees as well.
After battling my way to the event, through Storm Ciaran with road closures, train cancellations and the need for a good umbrella, I found the event useful for several reasons. Firstly, the introductions to each of the products and the way the event was laid out meant there was plenty of time allocated to ensure everyone could engage in the best way suited. Each of the sessions provided key insights into the Geospatial data landscapes, helping to highlight successes and potential opportunities within various markets for organisations to become savvier with their data to ensure they are utilising this in the best way to support their growth. It was good to see many vested parties attending the event which helped with getting a greater understanding of customer's current and future needs.
Claire Milverton, CEO of 1Spatial welcomed everyone and put forward the Data First vision. She highlighted the need for buy-in from bosses, the importance of automation and maintenance. She highlighted that to realise the full potential of AI and digital Twins, you need quality data.
Mark Humphries, Chairman, DAMA UK delivered an insightful talk on harnessing the power of data. Followed by Simon Ashby, 1Spatial, who talked about the practical implementation of spatial data management.
Listening to the keynote panel discussion on building data foundations for digital transformations was very informative. The overriding outcome from the panel consisting of Olive Powell, Jenny Brooker, David Henderson, Mark Humphries and Seb Lessware was centred around when data is brought together, this helps to gain the most value from it.
As a newbie to the Geospatial sector, listening to David Henderson from OS talking about how OS is supporting the execution of a National Geospatial Strategy and enabling a modern Britain, was very informative. Hearing the benefit that NUAR will have on the Utilities sector was fantastic and Amy Manefield, Geospatial Commission showed how it will bring £350 million in economic benefits to the UK by providing data efficiencies and sharing of data.
I thought that Jaymie Croucher from Transport for London gave a very interesting talk on how to build a digital twin with geospatial foundations, and the practical uses that TfL have found in utilising this approach for their digital transformation. This, alongside Peter West-Nielson from the Danish Agency for Data Supply and Infrastructure explaining how they are building a 3D dataset, shows this is the future.
Another very interesting session was delivered by 1Spatial's own Charley Glynn and Olivia Gill. They discussed data readiness for migration onto the Esri Utility Network, by talking through the work that 1Spatial has done with Hunter Water. Working through their data issues to ensure they were able to migrate onto the Esri Utility Network highlighted the importance of not only understanding your data but ensuring organisations have the most accurate data to suit their needs and aspirations.
The topic that I found the most useful to myself with my utilities background was 1Streetworks. Andy Fennell and Matt Hunt ran through the numerous datasets 1Streetworks pulls in to support applications into local councils and reduce the planning time for a multitude of street works which is only going to increase across the UK. In addition to walking through how the product fits together to support organisations, Paul Dooley from UK Power Networks supported the ability of 1Streetworks by demonstrating how a trial revolutionised the process and drove measurable outcomes, by reducing the amount of time taken not only to quote customers but also in reducing the average time to connect customers up which is a big topic currently within the energy sector.
I would say that my key takeaway from the event and something that will stick with me is the power of what is achievable by utilising data in the right way. The way 1Spatial can support organisations in breaking down difficult data to ensure they have the accurate information required to make better decisions will be very important for the energy sector in delivering the UK's Net Zero targets, as well as to organisations for their own net-zero ambitions.
To top it off, the last talk from Lee Spencer (The Rowing Marine) was so moving and motivational. We heard his life story and he explained how he has overcome huge obstacles in his life and is still smashing it with a world record in rowing.
All in all, a fantastic event to mark our 7th Annual Smarter Data, Smarter World conference, and my first one. Despite having Storm Ciaran to contend with, we still had an amazing turnout.