Exploring the future of location. Together.
OGC Research is our collaborative lab where members experiment, test,
and innovate to advance open, trusted, and interoperable geospatial systems.
Exploring Today, Shaping Tomorrow.
OGC Research
Engage. Contribute. Shape the Future.
Open Calls and Requests
Three core areas of focus:
The Future of Geospatial
What’s next is already here. AI, automation, and commercial space exploration are reshaping how we move, plan, and respond—from smart cities and self-driving cars to lunar landings and global logistics.
OGC Research is where new ideas are tested, challenged, and proven—so the next generation of geospatial standards and innovation are built on solid ground.
Integrity, Provenance, and Trust (IPT)
Because decisions are only as strong as the data behind them.
In an age of synthetic imagery, black-box AI, and information overload, trust in geospatial systems is non-negotiable.
We’re building the frameworks that make integrity, traceability, and reliability part of the foundation—so trust isn’t an afterthought, it’s a feature.
Purpose-Driven Domains & Standardization 3.0
Real-world problems demand approaches that actually work.
From wildfire response to underground infrastructure, digital twins to planetary mapping, location challenges are specific, high-stakes, and constantly evolving. Our role is to help members tackle these challenges with confidence, not theory.
That’s why we’re evolving how standards are developed and used. Standardization 3.0 focuses on modular components, real-world testing, and reusable building blocks—so members can move faster, reduce risk, and apply what works where it matters most
Recent Projects
Ongoing projects bridging Climate, Ocean, Space, and Earth science to deliver open, interoperable geospatial solutions.
A trusted source for geospatial terms and identifiers.
OGC RAINBOW
Research Resources
Get Involved with OGC Research
Become a Sponsor
Fund innovation. Reduce risk. Accelerate solutions. As an OGC Research sponsor, you’ll help set the agenda—funding focused research and collaborative experimentation that moves geospatial technology forward.
Benefits include:
- De-risking innovation through shared development and testing
- Gaining early access to emerging technologies
- Maintaining vendor neutrality while leveraging top global talent
- Influencing best practices and future standards
- Demonstrating leadership in a cost-effective, collaborative environment
- Expanding your market through adoption of cutting-edge solutions
Interested in sponsoring an OGC Research initiative?
Become a Participant
Turn ideas into solutions—alongside the world’s leading experts.
OGC Members can participate directly in OGC Research initiatives to:
- Access funded R&D and reduce internal development costs
- Get to market faster with proven, tested technologies
- Build trusted relationships with sponsors and collaborators
- Help shape the standards that will define future systems
- Enhance your visibility and credibility through OGC recognition
Ready to get involved?
Become a Consultant
Put your expertise to work through the Research Pool.
OGC’s Research Pool is a curated roster of qualified individuals who support Research teams with specialized skills.
As a Research consultant, you can:
- Be selected to support funded innovation work
- Contribute technical expertise to high-impact challenges
- Collaborate with leading minds across sectors and domains
- Expand your influence while helping test what works
Interested?
Explore Insights
You’ll find the latest thought leadership from OGC here.
- nmraghavendra
Ed Parsons has spent his career working where technology, geography, and real-world decision-making...
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OverviewTestbed Europe is an emerging Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) initiative exploring how Europe’s...
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