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EAASI and EGEA Unite to Inspire the Next Generation of Geospatial Professionals

The geospatial industry's greatest challenge isn't technological—it's human. While our capabilities to map, measure, and understand our planet have never been more sophisticated, the sector continues to face a critical shortage of skilled professionals. Recognizing that the solution lies in engaging with students and young professionals early, EAASI has taken another significant step forward in its mission to connect with the next generation.

A Natural Partnership: Introducing EGEA


In January 2026, EAASI held its first meeting with EGEA—the European Geography Association for students and young geographers. This dynamic network unites around 6,000 geography students and young geographers from almost 75 entities across more than 30 European countries, making it one of the continent's most vibrant communities of emerging talent in spatial sciences.

EGEA's mission resonates strongly with EAASI's values: bringing together young geographers in an atmosphere of respect, inclusion, and personal development to inspire global understanding of environmental and social processes. Through congresses, cultural exchanges, seminars, training events, symposiums, and geographical study trips, EGEA creates opportunities for students to explore the practical applications of their studies—exactly the kind of exposure that can spark careers in aerial surveying and geospatial technologies.




Why This Matters for EAASI Members


For EAASI member companies struggling to find qualified candidates, EGEA represents direct access to a pan-European community of engaged, motivated students already passionate about geography and spatial analysis. These are young people who understand the importance of mapping our changing world and are eager to discover how their academic knowledge translates into professional impact.

The collaboration offers multiple pathways for member companies to connect with this talent pool, from sponsoring events to providing real-world data and use cases for student projects, offering software licenses for educational purposes, or hosting company visits and workshops.

Opportunities for Collaboration

EGEA is currently seeking partnerships for their 2026 congress calendar, which includes:

Each congress offers companies opportunities to participate in job fairs, deliver workshops and lectures, organize excursions, and promote their work to an international student audience.

EAASI member companies can also support EGEA Europe directly. Those interested in learning more can check the Sponsorship brochure and contact EGEA at treasurer@egea.eu for their sponsorship information.


Sponsorship Brochure:



Part of a Broader Strategy


This collaboration with EGEA represents the latest initiative from EAASI's Students Committee, which has been steadily building bridges to academic communities since the association's founding. Through programs like the Outstanding Thesis Award (now in its third edition), the EAASI Young Ambassadors program, and the annual INTERGEO Students Tour, EAASI has demonstrated a consistent commitment to making aerial surveying and geospatial careers visible and attractive to emerging professionals.


Looking Ahead

As our industry continues to evolve—integrating artificial intelligence, expanding into new application areas, and taking on increasingly complex challenges from climate monitoring to smart cities—the need for fresh perspectives and diverse talent has never been greater. Partnerships like this one with EGEA help ensure that when students ask, "What can I do with a geography degree?" the answer includes the dynamic, technology-driven world of aerial surveying.

For EAASI members interested in exploring collaboration opportunities with EGEA, whether through congress sponsorships, local entity partnerships, or Europe-wide initiatives, please contact the EAASI Students Committee or reach out directly to EGEA's Board at egea@egea.eu.

The future of our industry is being shaped in university classrooms and at student congresses across Europe. Through partnerships like this, EAASI is ensuring that future includes careers in aerial surveying.


 

 
 
 

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