The AGI Greater Manchester Network has completed a successful inaugural year, establishing a regular, well attended programme of events that support and connect professionals, organisations and individuals working with geographic information across Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas.
This year the Network hosted three flagship meetings that showcased applied work in GIS. We were delighted to launch the first event in March, which explored the “Future of 3D in Geospatial” and highlighted advances in 3D urban digital twins, GeoBIM for engineering projects and the National Digital Twin Programme. In July the focus shifted to underground assets, with updates on progress on the National Underground Asset Register, spatial enhancements to utility networks, and the geospatial work of the Mining Remediation Authority. In October we examined the role of geospatial data in nature restoration, including strategies to protect, restore and create habitats, GIS standards for biodiversity net gain assessments, methods for underpinning restoration projects with geospatial data, and a series of short lightning pitches showcasing practical applications.
A defining feature of the Network has been its sociable post-event gatherings. Drinks and informal networking drew strong attendance and provided a relaxed setting for follow‑on discussion. These exchanges helped bring people and ideas together, turning event conversations into new contacts and collaborative approaches that attendees can apply within their own organisations.
The inaugural year has been about more than scheduling events: it has created a dependable, recurring space for knowledge exchange and relationship building across Greater Manchester and beyond. Hosts and sponsors have played a crucial role in keeping sessions accessible and welcoming, and attendees’ engagement has laid the groundwork for an ongoing series of meet‑ups the community can rely on.
Building on a strong start, the Greater Manchester AGI Network will continue to run events in 2026 that combine practical insight and networking opportunities, with an event planned every few months on topics shaped by prior conversations. Organisations and individuals interested in presenting, hosting or sponsoring future events are invited to get in touch to help shape the programme as it moves into its next year; please keep an eye out for details of the next meeting.