The theme of the 9th GeoDIALOG of the geobusiness region bonn was "Geoinformation in pandemics". As in previous years, the geoinformation network of the city of Bonn and the Rhine/Rhine-Sieg/Ahrweiler region remained true to its approach of linking current social issues with geoinformation. Almost 90 participants from all over Germany attended the event.

Network manager Dr. Ulrich Ziegenhagen from the City of Bonn's Office for Economic Development and the CDO of the City of Bonn, Friedrich Fuß, welcomed the participants and introduced the topic in the context of the city's digitalization activities.

Prof. Dr. Klaus Greve from the Institute of Geography at the University of Bonn explained in his opening presentation "Learning from the pandemic for the smart city" how pandemics threatened urban development and life and business in cities even before coronavirus. Geoinformation and spatial analysis formed the basis of hazard prevention early on. Prof. Greve explains how smart cities are therefore becoming more resilient to threats. And how (geo)information, analysis and infrastructures can be created to generate resilience.

In his presentation, Michael Herter from infas 360 GmbH addressed the current coronavirus pandemic and stated: "The coronavirus crisis is a data crisis". Figures and statistics have dominated the media since the start of the pandemic. The need for up-to-date and reliable figures with a regional focus is increasing. And it is precisely at this point that the coronavirus crisis reveals itself as a data crisis. Michael Herter reported on the project commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, in which all relevant regional data and measures are to be made available to the scientific community on a coronavirus data platform. The Bonn-based consortium consisting of the infas Institute, infas 360 and the UKB was commissioned.

Christoph Höser from IHPH, GeoHealth Center at the University Hospital Bonn looked at "Maps as the endpoint of data processing: risk communication and responsibility". Or in short: "How to lie with maps". This title, familiar to many geographers and cartographers, already vividly describes the options open to the designer of a map. However, unconsciously careless handling of data also leads to incorrect representations that are rarely checked or seen through by the reader. Christoph Höser demonstrated this vividly using examples of maps relating to the coronavirus/COVID19 epidemic. His conclusion: maps can and must be scrutinized. Instead of the convivial conclusion in live format, the participants came together for further discussions with the speakers and for a relaxed exchange in the "Wonder" tool specially integrated for this purpose.

The organizers of GeoDIALOG are now examining whether the event should be held as a hybrid - live and digital - in the future.