OGC Defence and Security Spatial Data Forum

Security and situational awareness rely heavily on the precision and availability of spatial data. The OGC Defence and Security Spatial Data Forum, taking place in Nottingham, is a high-level briefing and networking event designed for professionals working at the intersection of national security and geospatial intelligence. This forum addresses the critical need for "Interoperability under Pressure," examining how OGC standards can be utilized in mission-critical environments where data must be shared across different jurisdictions and platforms instantly.

The forum will cover the latest advancements in the OGC GeoPackage standard, which has become a cornerstone for disconnected operations in the field. Experts will discuss how to maintain data integrity when operating in low-bandwidth environments and how standardized metadata allows for rapid intelligence synthesis from multiple sources, including satellite imagery, drone feeds, and ground sensors. This is a unique opportunity to hear from defence contractors and military advisors about the real-world requirements of the modern tactical edge.

In addition to hardware and software discussions, the forum will host a series of "Closed Door" style briefings on cyber-spatial security. As geospatial data becomes more central to national infrastructure, protecting these data pipelines from manipulation and spoofing is a top priority. We will explore how OGC is working with security agencies to bake-in encryption and authentication at the standards level.

The afternoon will feature a "Technology Horizon" panel, looking at the role of augmented reality (AR) in field operations. By using standardized 3D data, field units can overlay critical information onto their physical surroundings with high precision. This event is essential for anyone involved in the procurement, development, or analysis of spatial data for the defence, emergency services, or private security sectors.