Name: Beyond the Prompt: Finding and Following the Golden Thread in Long-Duration AI-Centric GIS Projects
Start: 2026-05-20T15:30:00-0700
End: 2026-05-20T16:30:00-0700

Beyond the Prompt: Finding and Following the Golden Thread in Long-Duration AI-Centric GIS Projects

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

401-402

Every long-duration project needs a golden thread -- the through-line that holds direction when things pivot, stall, regress, and push forward. When AI is doing most or all of the work over weeks or months, that thread is what keeps you and the model aligned. This talk draws on lessons from multiple large AI-built projects, many still ongoing, spanning Esri-based and other GIS-related products, data, and services: a problem-solving intelligent ArcGIS Pro Add-in, a public chatbot that grows in capability and knowledge, data and research pipelines, and full web apps and system modernizations.
As these projects grew, the challenge shifted from prompting to managing. Think of it like navigating terrain -- set an azimuth, identify waypoints, travel, reassess, correct, and continue. You do not walk with the compass glued to your face.
This framework is built on a core principle: your level of control. AI models are powerful and deeply knowledgeable. Building and maintaining confidence in the process -- through research, clear expectations, and ongoing collaboration -- gives both you and the model room to build. Defining your security posture -- what you expose to models and how you scope their access -- establishes boundaries before you travel.
We cover creating bare-bones plans, defining proof-of-concept scope, and managing training data, ambiguity, and model drift as constant factors requiring ongoing attention. Knowing when to continue is as important as knowing when to stop -- practical guideposts help determine when to pause, reassess, redesign, and refocus. We address how to iterate, improve, and provide effective feedback to strengthen outcomes through each cycle.
By the end, you will have experience-based insights for maintaining your own golden thread across sustained, AI-centric projects.

Speakers

Tim Rawson

Software Developer, Dymaptic

Software engineer with a diverse background, including experience in government, military, and business. Brings GIS experience in both field/operational and support roles. Has worked at dymaptic since 2022 and is a member of the Development Team, collaborating with the GIS Development... Read More →

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
401-402

Technology, AI

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2026 WA GIS Conference

Tim Rawson

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2026 WA GIS Conference

Tim Rawson

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