11-04, 14:00–14:30 (America/New_York), Lake Anne
Learn how to build a conversational assistant for water utilities using Langchain and MS SQL Server, PostGIS, or other database. Ask natural language questions like “Which pipes need replacement?” and get instant, map-based answers.
This session will demonstrate a working prototype of a natural language assistant for water utilities, built with open source tools and real-world data. Attendees will learn:
How to structure water utility data (e.g., pipes, valves, hydrants) for spatial querying in your database
How to use Langchain to build a natural language interface that interprets and runs SQL and spatial queries
How this system can be deployed using Python
I’ll also discuss lessons learned from working with small utilities in Germany, how open data standards help interoperability, and how these tools can democratize access to geospatial intelligence.
This talk is ideal for GIS professionals, and public sector innovators interested in AI + geospatial solutions. It combines technical implementation with real-world relevance—and is open to collaboration and feedback from the FOSS4G community.
Key Takeaways:
- How to modernize water utility management using AI
- Learn how water utility teams can interact with spatial databases using plain language, without needing SQL or GIS expertise.
- Understand how this technology can be used to track assets, schedule maintenance, and respond to events like leaks or construction, all through conversational interaction.
Bernie Drahola is a geospatial technology strategist and founder of yey'maps, a cloud-based GIS platform empowering municipalities and utilities with intuitive mapping, data management, and AI-enhanced decision support tools. With over 15 years of experience in the geospatial industry, Bernie specializes in helping small and mid-sized utilities modernize their operations through scalable, user-friendly digital solutions.
Known for bridging the gap between technical innovation and practical application, Bernie has led GIS implementations across Europe, the U.S., and Canada, focusing on infrastructure management, utility networks, and public-sector transformation. His work emphasizes automation, cross-team collaboration, and long-term sustainability through the smart use of cloud and AI technologies.
Bernie is passionate about making powerful geospatial tools accessible to non-experts and equipping utility directors with the insights they need to deliver reliable, efficient services in today’s data-driven world.