site.btaSofia to Host GeoSofia 2026 Forum on Geoinformatics, Geospatial Technologies

The international scientific forum GeoSofia 2026, dedicated to technological solutions for managing cities and the urban environment, will take place in Sofia from September 28 to October 2, the Big Data for Smart Society Institute (GATE) at St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia announced on Wednesday.

The forum brings together international scientists and researchers, experts in geoinformatics and geospatial technologies, specialists in artificial intelligence and data processing, as well as representatives from universities, research organizations, technology companies, and the public sector. Key topics include geoinformatics, spatial modelling, big data, artificial intelligence, and smart cities, according to the organizers.

The event will focus on how modern technologies can assist not only in monitoring cities but also in better understanding their functioning and planning their development based on data. Technologies to be discussed include 3D and 4D modelling, spatial analysis, artificial intelligence, digital twins, 3D cadastral solutions, and smart city platforms.

As a concrete example of such an approach, GATE highlights the digital twin of the capital city currently under development in partnership with Sofia Municipality and Sofiaplan. This is a digital environment that collects and visualizes information about the city, providing analysis, simulations, and studies of various urban processes and scenarios. It allows for tracking, for instance, the impact of new traffic arrangements, how an infrastructure project might alter the surrounding environment, or identifying the most vulnerable areas during high temperatures.