Dynamic First Participation of the AUA GIS Research Unit at Agrotica 2026.

The GIS Research Unit of the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) participated dynamically with its own booth in the Agrotica 2026 exhibition in Thessaloniki, marking its first presence at one of the most important events for the agricultural sector in Greece.

At the Unit’s booth, its main activities were presented, including:

• research activities, with a brief overview of the results of European and national projects, as well as projects commissioned by cooperatives and private stakeholders

• educational activities at postgraduate level, with particular emphasis on the training seminars organized through the AUA Lifelong Learning Center (KEDIVIM)

• the development of practical and user-friendly web applications for the long-term monitoring, through maps, of soil and water conditions, crop development and livestock grazing.

Throughout the exhibition, the Unit’s staff had the opportunity to interact directly with numerous professionals – producers, agricultural advisors, agronomists and business representatives – who visited the booth and discussed the potential of geospatial technologies in the agricultural sector.

Particular interest was shown in the Web GIS Apps developed by the Unit, which will soon be presented online.

The exchange of knowledge and experience highlighted critical issues in the agricultural sector, while at the same time laying the groundwork for the development of new solutions that respond to market needs. The GIS Research Unit places particular emphasis on transforming these challenges into innovative and practical solutions, making use of the capabilities of Geographic Information Systems and spatial analysis.

The exhibition also provided an important opportunity to promote the 6th Conference on Geographic Information Systems in Agriculture and the Environment (19–21 May 2026) through direct communication with researchers, members of the academic community and representatives of businesses in the sector. The interest expressed in participating in the Conference confirms the growing momentum of the event and the increasing need for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange regarding the applications of geospatial technologies in the agricultural and environmental sectors.

A highlight of the participation was the presence of Professor and Scientific Coordinator of the Unit, Dr. D. Kalyvas, on Saturday, March 14, at the discussion panel of the Agrenda Studio titled “Acting Digitally, Operating Economically”. His contribution supported the public dialogue on the role of digital technologies in improving the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production.

Participation in Agrotica 2026 created new channels of communication and collaboration with stakeholders and professionals in the sector, strengthening the connection between the scientific community and the market.

The GIS Research Unit continues to expand its activities dynamically, investing in education, innovation and the development of solutions that utilize Geographic Information Systems and spatial analysis, with the aim of providing meaningful support to the primary sector and the environment.