We are seeking one or two motivated candidates to serve as chair and/or co-chair of the International Cartographic Association (ICA) Commission on GeoAI from mid-2027 to mid-2031.
Established in 2023, the commission currently comprises 50 members and focuses on the creation and use of maps and the management of geospatial data using machine learning, particularly deep learning. It serves an interdisciplinary and cross-commission role within the ICA, with a particular focus on methodology and standardization.
Since its foundation, the two current chairs have organized three workshops, represented the commission at various international events, and initiated a book publication. In addition, they have created a large-scale training dataset, implemented a semi-automated bibliography detector, and established the commission website.
Requirement
Only residents in one of ICA’s national member countries (see https://icaci.org/national-members/) are eligible to apply for this leadership role.
Responsibilities
The chair(s) will be responsible for:
- Organizing events (e.g., workshops)
- Representing the commission through presentations and at relevant events
- Advancing the commission in accordance with its terms of reference
- Communicating with commission members (e.g., newsletters)
- Reviewing submissions to the International Cartographic Conference (ICC)
- Preparing brief reports on commission activities
- Maintaining and further developing the commission website (e.g., bibliography, learning materials)
Desired Qualifications
Applicants should ideally have:
- A doctoral degree in cartography, geoinformation science, or a related discipline
- Presented at the ICC and/or regional cartographic conferences
- Experience applying deep learning and related machine learning technologies to cartographic problems
- A publication record in cartographic journals and/or related disciplines
- An established international and/or national research network
- Sufficient availability to contribute approximately 4 hours per week on average
- A strong sense and commitment of the ethical and responsible use of GeoAI
Benefits
Serving as chair or co-chair offers opportunities to:
- Expand your national and international research network
- Develop expertise and visibility in CartoAI and GeoAI
- Gain experience in scientific event organization and management
- Pursue projects within the scope of the commission’s objectives
- Advance your professional career
Please note that this is a non-funded position. The position will be only available if the commission will be renewed by the vote of the General Assembly in July 2027.
Application Details
Please use the form below to submit a link to a single PDF of no more than two A4 pages containing:
- A brief CV
- A list of key publications
- A brief statement of motivation
- Plans for improving the commission
Timeline
Application deadline: 31 October 2026
Interviews: November 2026
Notification of acceptance: December/January 2027
Inauguration: August 2027
If you have any questions, please contact the commission chairs, Samantha Arundel (sarundel@usgs.gov) and Raimund Schnürer (raimund.schnuerer@outlook.com).
Please submit your application via this form: