Not only is Denver the location of our 2026 Geo Week Conference, but it also serves as an example of how cities can use geospatial technology to solve complex challenges like infrastructure modernization or environmental injustice. February 16-18, 2026 | Colorado Convention Center | Denver, CO, USAJoin Us at Geo Week 2026!
In the lead-up to Geo Week 2026, we wanted to spotlight five impactful GIS projects happening right here in Denver that demonstrate how innovative mapping, data integration, and spatial analysis are redefining how cities operate.
These initiatives reflect exactly the kind of forward-thinking work showcased each year at Geo Week, and they offer a glimpse into the technologies and partnerships setting the standard for urban geospatial innovation in Denver.
House1000: Mapping Solutions to Homelessness
The House1000 initiative uses GIS to identify potential sites for micro-communities, converted hotels, and transitional housing. Through combining transit data, utility availability, zoning rules, environmental constraints, and accessibility metrics, city officials can assess sites more efficiently. A public-facing dashboard allows residents to track progress, adding transparency to a project addressing housing needs.
DRCOG’s Regional Aerial Imagery and Lidar Program
The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) maintains a recurring aerial imagery and lidar program that provides Denver and surrounding municipalities with high-resolution spatial data. This dataset supports projects such as flood modeling, transportation planning, and environmental analysis. Through sharing this information regionally, DRCOG ensures that those working with the city are working from a consistent foundation.
Citywide Fiber Network Mapping
Denver has also consolidated its fiber-optic infrastructure records into a GIS system. This connected dataset allows the city to map fiber paths, analyze connectivity, plan upgrades, and coordinate construction between departments. Accurate spatial mapping of communications infrastructure helps the city manage current operations and plan for future smart-city projects.
Metro Denver Nature Alliance (MetroDNA) Regional Ecosystem Mapping
MetroDNA brings together organizations including the Denver Zoo, Botanic Gardens, and The Nature Conservancy to map regional natural assets, habitats, and environmental connectivity. GIS supports open-space planning, biodiversity monitoring, and public reporting. By centralizing ecological data, the project enables partners to integrate environmental considerations into urban development planning.
Parcel Fabric Modernization for Citywide Land Management
Denver has implemented parcel fabric, a GIS mapping system specifically for land records, to manage property geometry, boundaries, and legal records across departments. Consolidating thousands of parcel datasets into a single system supports permitting, zoning enforcement, real estate transactions, and capital project planning. The unified system reduces errors and provides a singular reference for city operations.
Hear More Real World Projects at Geo Week
These Denver projects show the real impact of geospatial technology in solving complex urban challenges. Geo Week 2026 will bring together practitioners, researchers, and city leaders to explore projects like these from around the world, share ideas, and see how innovative mapping and data-driven approaches are shaping communities. It’s a chance to celebrate what’s possible when people and technology come together to address real-world challenges.
