The latest in the series of event from the AGI Housing Network brought together professionals from across housing, planning, infrastructure, government and the wider geospatial community to discuss one of the UK’s biggest challenges: how we deliver the homes, infrastructure and places that people need.
A huge thank you to our sponsors, CGI and Carter Jonas, whose support helped make the event possible.
The discussion highlighted how rapidly the sector is evolving. From the application of AI to unlock value from historic records, through to advanced data analytics helping prioritise development opportunities in hours rather than months, organisations are increasingly demonstrating the power of data-driven decision-making.
A key theme throughout the event was that the challenge is no longer simply connecting systems. Whilst interoperability remains important, the real opportunity lies in making information accessible, understandable and trusted by a much wider audience. Better housing outcomes rely on planners, developers, policymakers, infrastructure providers and communities all being able to work from a shared understanding of place.
The return of Spatial Development Strategies under the Planning and Infrastructure Act further reinforces the importance of strategic, cross-boundary thinking. Delivering sustainable growth requires a joined-up approach to housing, transport, utilities, environmental resilience and economic development.
One particularly insightful discussion focused on moving beyond technical terminology and embracing the concept of place-based intelligence. This reflects the real value our profession brings: helping organisations understand places, people, assets and infrastructure so that they can make better decisions.
The AGI Housing Network exists to ensure that the geospatial community has a strong voice in these conversations. More importantly, it provides a platform where practitioners, leaders, innovators and newcomers can share experiences, influence thinking and help shape the future direction of the sector.
This network is only as strong as the community that supports it.
We want to hear from you.
What topics would you like the network to explore? What challenges are you facing? What innovations are making a difference in your organisation?
Better still, get involved. Join the conversation, contribute ideas, speak at future events and help shape the development and direction of the AGI Housing Network.
Together, we can ensure that place-based intelligence plays its full role in supporting better housing delivery, more resilient infrastructure and stronger communities across the UK.
We look forward to continuing the conversation at the next AGI Housing Network event on 17 September in Bristol.
AGI Members can login to Member Resources to view the event presentations and photographs