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RCS 2026 short course - GIS and AI: Unlocking New Insights and Efficiencies

21 April 2026
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Deep dive in ESRI short course for RCS 2026 - Malta

 

Ahead of RSC 2026 in Malta, the ISI is hosting a series of high-level short courses in collaboration with strategic partners. This curated programme delivers expert-led sessions designed to bridge theoretical rigor with practical application, ensuring participants gain immediate, actionable expertise.

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Michael Gould
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Lydia Troup

Today, we speak with Michael Gould and Lydia Troup of Esri. They lead the upcoming short course, 'GIS and AI: Unlocking New Insights and Efficiencies.' We sat down with them to discuss the core objectives of the course, the unique value it offers, and the specific skills participants will bring back to their organisations.


What is the main goal of your short course and what will participants be able to apply afterwards?
Lydia: The main goal of the course is to help participants understand both the why and the how of combining artificial intelligence with geography. We focus on building a hands-on understanding of geoAI, including object detection and image classification using machine learning, spatial statistics such as clustering and prediction, and generative AI tools that support GIS productivity and data exploration.

By working through real-world examples—like detecting buildings in satellite imagery, identifying demographic patterns, and generating surveys with large language models—participants gain practical skills they can immediately apply in their own work.
 

Who is this course intended for and what background knowledge is expected?
Michael: This course is designed for a wide audience, and no prior background knowledge is required. Whether you are new to GIS and AI or already working with data, the course is structured to be accessible and valuable.

We use a “show and tell” format, combining short introductions with live demonstrations and step-by-step exercises. This approach ensures that participants can follow along easily while still gaining meaningful, hands-on experience.


What makes your course different compared to similar courses in this field?
Michael: While AI is widely discussed, the role of geography is often overlooked. What sets this course apart is its strong focus on spatial thinking and how it applies across industries.

Geography touches nearly every domain—from satellite imagery to demographic and event data—and we highlight how AI can help make sense of these spatial dimensions. We also connect the material to real-world use cases aligned with global statistical practices, such as urbanisation monitoring using open imagery, survey design automation, and spatial analysis with census-style data.


What is one key takeaway participants will learn from your course?
Lydia: A key takeaway is understanding the value of incorporating geography into AI and statistical workflows. One concrete skill participants will gain is how to use free, open-source imagery to quantify urbanization in a specific area of interest.

This practical example illustrates the broader message of the course: when you combine spatial thinking with AI, you unlock deeper, more actionable insights.


Ready to turn AI into real-world spatial insights?

Join Lydia Troup and Michael Gould in this hands-on short course and start applying GeoAI in your own work from day one.

Secure your spot today - Seats are limited!

 

Date: 2 June 2026 
Venue address: University of Malta Valletta Campus, St Paul Street, Valletta VLT 1216, Malta