Heritage Geospatial Symposium 2026 : Hosted by RIEGL

This in-person symposium will once again be held at York Venues: The Hospitium and will be filled with insightful presentations, innovative technologies, and lots of industry focused debate at the Heritage Geospatial Symposium hosted by RIEGL UK.

At this year’s RIEGL Symposium, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the crucial role geospatial surveys continue to play in preserving, managing, presenting, and engaging with cultural heritage. Presentations will cover a range of topics, including the use of geospatial survey technologies by the UK’s national heritage organisations, the integration of non-visible sensor technologies within the heritage survey workflow, the online dissemination of heritage datasets and Riegl’s geospatial portfolio that can assist heritage survey projects and activities. This year there will also be a Q&A roundtable discussion considering the future role of the geospatial surveyor and some of the education, training and AI driven technological challenges that both the heritage and geospatial industries currently face.

As well as gaining knowledge on how modern geospatial technologies and their resultant datasets are transforming the way we experience cultural heritage, attendees will be able to network with professionals, discover new technologies, and explore the intersection of conservation and cutting-edge digital experiences. Secure your spot today!

Info: Join us for a warm drink before we get started for the day.

Info: Welcome and housekeeping by Paul Bryan

Info: Round Table discussion including Alison Watson MBE, David Foster, Professor Jon Mills and Andy Beardsley.
Suggested theme “The future role of the Geospatial Surveyor”.
Suggested discussion topics include geospatial survey education, training, apprenticeships, recruitment, the impact of Artificial Intelligence and robotics.

Info: Comprehensive documentation underpins the conservation, repair and maintenance of architectural heritage. Infrared Thermography (IRT) is a non-contact, non-invasive technique used to quantify surface temperature, but its low spatial resolution and contrast limit direct application within Structure-from-Motion (SfM) workflows. Recent research addresses this by fusing thermographic and geometric datasets to generate accurate 3D thermal models. This presentation explores how advances in thermal imaging, deep learning-based image matching and SfM photogrammetry enable integrated 3D thermal reconstructions. AI-driven classification and segmentation are used to detect thermal anomalies, evaluate historic interventions and identify retrofit potential. Best practice guidance for thermal data capture and open-source registration tools will be presented, demonstrating how actionable insights can be derived from 3D thermal models.

Info: Space & Place: Engaging Audiences with Spatial Data:
Spatial and 3D data provides immense value for a wide range of audiences, ranging from industry professionals and academics to creative artists and the general public. In this presentation Thomas Flynn will share learnings from 10 years working in the spatial heritage sector, sign post some of his favourite projects & initiatives by other professionals from around the globe, and suggest some opportunities & challenges for the future.

Info: RIEGL will be hosting a social at The House of Trembling Madness (again! Yes - we have been allowed back!!) where there is chance to have further informal discussions to conclude the day. For those that have indicated interested in the RIEGL social, a drinks voucher will be provided at the venue.

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Host or Publisher Riegl UK Ltd