UN Photo | UN Maps Conference 2024
UNGSC, in collaboration with OICT and the UN Geospatial Network, is pleased to announce the UN Maps Clinic sessions “Enhancing UN Maps – from the field, for the field”, scheduled to take place remotely from 1 to 4 December 2025.
The UN Maps Clinics are a series of interactive, hands-on sessions designed to present the new release of UN Maps features and applications, demonstrate outputs, and open the floor to mission colleagues for feedback and future enhancement. The objective is to co-design the roadmap of UN Maps based on operational needs from the field. The Clinics will show the progress of the UN Maps Program, its technical features, benefits, and vision. It presents a unique opportunity to share knowledge, discuss and plan the future steps to deliver coordinated support for UN’s daily operational activities.
Dates
1st to 4th December 2025, from 1pm to 4.30pm CET (UTC+1).
Modality
The UN Maps Clinics format consists of 45 minutes long sessions about the current status of the different UN Maps features and applications. An initial short presentation is followed by an interactive discussion with participants about feedback, challenges, ideas and comments, with a conclusive part about drawing a roadmap for enhancement of the discussed feature or application. Participants are encouraged to actively contribute by sharing their field-specific experiences and requirements.
Target Audience
The target audience expected to attend the Clinics are mission staff in Joint Operations Centre (JOC), Joint Mission Analysis Centre (JMAC), Mission Support and Engineering Sections, Military and Police Components, and in general all UN personnel that rely on maps and geospatial services in their daily work. Furthermore, all GIS focal points of the UN are welcome to participate to the conference.
Venue
All sessions will be held online to ensure broad participation.
Participation and costs
Participation in this event is only under nomination and it is free of charge.
Contact
For more information about the event, please contact maps@un.org
Agenda
Monday, December 1st - Opening & General Overview
13:00 - 13:15 Welcome
The session will open by welcoming participants and establishing the broader context for the activities. The agenda will then be outlined, defining the specific goals to be achieved.
Facilitator: Diego González Ferreiro, Chief, Solutions & Support Unit, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Plenary
13:15 – 13:30 Opening Remarks
The keynote addresses will establish the strategic vision and foundational objectives for the event. They will outline the key themes and expected outcomes for the proceedings.
Facilitator: Kais Zouabi, Chief, Client Solutions Delivery Section, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Plenary
13:30 – 14:00 Overview of UN Maps
This session will present the development, current state, and integrated ecosystem of UN Maps. It will provide a comprehensive summary of its foundational components and operational scope.
Speaker: Diego González Ferreiro, Chief, Solutions & Support Unit, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Plenary
14:00 – 14:45 Street Map & Terrain Map
This presentation will detail the design principles, available styles, and geographic coverage of the foundational basemaps. It will cover the specific applications and technical specifications for both the Street and Terrain Map feature.
Speaker: Hira Zafar, Associate Geospatial Information Officer, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Feature
14:45 – 15:00 Break
15:00 – 15:45 GeoPortal
This session will demonstrate the UN Geoportal capabilities for geospatial data discovery, sharing, and management. It will also cover the procedures for creating and publishing interactive maps and applications.
Speakers:
Andrés Muñoz Zuluaga, Geospatial Information Systems Consultant, United Nations Global Service Centre
Marcello Tola, Geospatial Information Systems Assistant, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Application
15:45 – 16:30 UN Maps Mobile
This session will demonstrate the UN Maps Mobile application's capabilities for offline navigation and data usage. It will detail the functionality for accessing maps and conducting fieldwork without a continuous network connection.
Speaker: Pietro Di Gennaro, Computer Science Engineer, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Application
Tuesday, December 2nd – Geospatial Information & Mission Dashboards
13:00 - 13:15 Daily Recap
This session will provide a summary of the previous day's key presentations and introduced concepts. It will then outline the agenda and primary objectives for the day's focus on geospatial information and community.
Facilitator: Diego González Ferreiro, Chief, Solutions & Support Unit, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Plenary
13:15 – 14:00 Image Map
This presentation will cover the sources, resolution, and update cycles of the Image Map feature. The session will also detail the integration and practical applications of this data layer.
Speaker: Attila Szucs, Associate Geospatial Information Officer, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Feature
14:00 – 14:45 Operational Map
This session will detail the management and application of COGI/MOGI data within the Operational Map. It will cover the specific procedures for maintaining and utilizing this critical geospatial information.
Speaker: Laura Diaz, Chief, Data Management Unit, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Feature
14:45 – 15:00 Break
15:00 – 15:45 Power BI
This session will demonstrate the UN Maps Power BI plugin for creating interactive dashboards and analytics. It will cover the methodologies for leveraging this integration to support data-driven decision-making.
Speaker: Pietro Di Gennaro, Computer Science Engineer, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Application
15:45 – 16:30 Maps On Demand
This session will present the recent enhancements to the Maps on Demand application and its expanded capabilities. It will detail the new functionalities for generating and customizing cartographic products.
Speaker: Antonio Carrozzo, Geospatial Information Systems Assistant, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Application
Wednesday, December 3rd – Location Services & Community
13:00 - 13:15 Daily Recap
This session will provide a summary of the previous day's key presentations and introduced concepts. It will then outline the agenda and primary objectives for the day's focus on geospatial information and community.
Facilitator: Diego González Ferreiro, Chief, Solutions & Support Unit, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Plenary
13:15 – 14:00 Search
This session will detail UN Maps Search capabilities for locating specific features and points of interest. It will cover the search functionality's integration with operational data and mission-specific workflows.
Speakers:
Hector Mulet, Geospatial Information Systems Consultant, United Nations Global Service Centre
Javier Adán Silvestre, Geospatial Information Systems Consultant, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Feature
14:00 – 14:45 Direction
This presentation will outline the system's routing functionalities and capabilities for comprehensive mobility planning. It will detail the integration of these tools with operational data to support logistical decision-making.
Speaker: Andrés Muñoz Zuluaga, Geospatial Information Systems Consultant, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Feature
14:45 – 15:00 Break
15:00 – 15:45 Crowdsourced Data Collection
This session will outline the workflows for field mapping and data validation using collaborative editing platforms. It will also cover the procedures for integrating and validating this data for further usage in the UN Maps ecosystem.
Speaker: Michael Montani, Community Engagement Coordinator, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Application
15:45 – 16:30 UN Maps Learning Hub
This session will present the platform's resources for building capacity and developing geospatial skills. It will also explain the integration of crowdsourcing activities into the learning pathways.
Speaker: Arnalie Faye Vicario, Community Engagement Specialist, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Application
Thursday, December 4th – 3D & Way Forward
13:00 - 13:15 Daily Recap
This session will provide a summary of the previous day's key presentations and introduced concepts. It will then outline the agenda and primary objectives for the day's focus on geospatial information and community.
Facilitator: Diego González Ferreiro, Chief, Solutions & Support Unit, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Plenary
13:15 – 14:00 Digital Twins
This session will explore the functional applications of Digital Twins that extend beyond 3D model visualization. It will address their role in simulation, analysis, and strategic planning for operational environments.
Speaker: Javier Neme-Lozano, Chief, Visualization and Mapping Unit, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Feature
14:00 – 14:45 Globe and XR Solutions
UN Maps XR is an immersive visualization tool that revolutionizes how users interact with UN Maps. It transforms traditional 2D geospatial data into dynamic, interactive Extended Reality environments, providing an unprecedented depth of understanding and engagement.
Speakers:
Ignacio Vázquez Vélez, Geospatial Information Systems Consultant, United Nations Global Service Centre
Ferdinando Cesaria, Computer Science Engineer, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Application
14:45 – 15:00 Break
15:00 – 15:45 Infrastructure and GIS Workspace
This session will introduce the cloud-based infrastructure for centralized geospatial data management and analysis. It will outline the platform's capabilities for supporting collaborative GIS workspaces and enterprise-level operations.
Speaker: Zeeshan Khan, Information Systems Officer, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Application
16:15 – 16:30 Roadmap & Action Points
This session will establish the final strategic priorities and key action points for future development. It will outline the definitive implementation roadmap and the proposed path forward.
Facilitator: Diego González Ferreiro, Chief, Solutions & Support Unit, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Plenary
15:45 – 16:15 Closing Remarks
The closing remarks will summarize the strategic conclusions and key outcomes of the proceedings. Final directives for the path forward will be formally presented to the audience.
Facilitator: Kais Zouabi, Chief, Client Solutions Delivery Section, United Nations Global Service Centre
Type: Plenary