The Historicity of the Conference
The Conference on Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis in Agriculture and the Environment is one of the most significant scientific institutions in Greece in the fields of geospatial technologies, digital agriculture, and environmental protection.
It was first established in 2015, when it was organized by the GIS Research Unit of the Agricultural University of Athens in collaboration with the Hellenic Association for Geographic Information Systems (Hellenic GI). Since then, following a biennial schedule, the conference has been consistently held in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2024, maintaining strong scientific interest and the active participation of both the academic and professional communities.
Since the 3rd Conference in 2019, the GIS CONGRESS EXPO has been incorporated as a parallel event and remains a key component of the organization. Its purpose is to highlight innovation, present modern technological solutions, and strengthen the link between science and entrepreneurship. The EXPO has showcased the contribution of geospatial technologies to technological advancement, providing a dynamic space for interaction among researchers, students, professionals, and private-sector companies. Its success has become institutionalized and continues to this day as an integral part of the conference.
The ongoing evolution of the Conference reflects the rapid technological advancements in Geographic Information Systems, data collection and management (UAVs–drones, sensors, digital photogrammetry), spatial analysis, and IoT applications, as well as the increasing needs of modern Greek agriculture for accurate and sustainable natural resource management. Throughout its history, the conference has served as a hub for knowledge exchange, the presentation of research findings, and the promotion of the principles of Digital Agriculture and Agriculture 4.0. Particular emphasis is placed each year on the role of GIS in addressing environmental challenges, such as monitoring natural phenomena, risk management, protecting agricultural landscapes, and advancing sustainable farming practices.
With oral and poster presentations, specialized workshops, agricultural case studies, and high-level contributions from academics and industry experts, the Conference has been established as the leading national meeting in this field. The participation of young scientists, undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as PhD candidates, is a consistent pillar of its success, enhancing knowledge dissemination and fostering the development of the next generation of specialists.
The trajectory of the Conference from 2015 to the present demonstrates its capacity to adapt to technological and scientific developments, strengthen its ties with the productive sector, and contribute substantially to the transition of Greek agriculture toward more efficient, digital, and sustainable systems. The 6th Conference in 2026 continues this path, further highlighting the value of the institution and confirming its importance for the academic community and the agricultural sector.
