How can we make our utility networks smarter and more future-proof? And what role do artificial intelligence and geographic data play in this? On September 10, 2026, WKF Engineering and IQGeo brought together dozens of professionals from the telecom and utility sectors at the MAP Mercator Museum in Sint-Niklaas. Under the theme “Beyond the MAP – The Adaptive Network: Turning Disruption into Advantage,” we set out together to find answers.
Two partners, one shared vision
The utilities sector faces major challenges. Networks are becoming more complex, projects must be carried out more efficiently, and reliable data is becoming increasingly important. At the same time, digitalization and AI offer a wealth of new opportunities.
That is exactly why WKF Engineering and IQGeo joined forces to create Beyond the MAP.
As an international specialist in geospatial network software, IQGeo helps network operators plan, build, and manage their infrastructure more intelligently. WKF Engineering complements that technological expertise with years of hands-on experience in engineering, network design, and the digitization of operational processes.
Our shared ambition? To bring technology and practice closer together to make tomorrow’s networks more efficient, smarter, and future-proof.
“The future of our industry isn’t just about new technology, but above all about how we put it into practice. Together with IQGeo, we want to make digitalization tangible and organize processes in a truly smarter way.”
– Sebastiaan Bosmans, CTO at WKF Engineering
AI in the Utility Sector: Opportunities and Critical Questions
During his keynote address, AI expert Maarten Verschuere took the audience on a journey through the evolution of artificial intelligence. From image recognition and generative AI to agentic AI: the possibilities are evolving at breakneck speed.
But how do we translate that technological progress into concrete applications within our sector? During a panel discussion moderated by Maarten, Aloïs Brunel (SVP AI Solutions at IQGeo), Prof. Dr. Nico Van de Weghe (Professor of GeoAI at Ghent University), and Sebastiaan Bosmans (CTO of WKF Engineering) delved deeper into the future of GIS and artificial intelligence.
From automating repetitive tasks to analyzing geographic data and optimizing engineering processes: the opportunities are vast.
Yet one key insight kept coming up: not everything that can be automated should be automated. Reliable data, integration with existing systems, and human expertise remain essential. AI only creates real added value when it actually improves quality, efficiency, and decision-making.
Reliable Data as the Foundation for Smart Networks
A future-proof network starts with reliable information. From the initial survey and network design to implementation and as-built documentation, every phase generates valuable data.
By better integrating that information and the associated processes, we can minimize duplication of effort, avoid errors, and collaborate more efficiently.
That is also where the strength of the synergy between WKF Engineering and IQGeo lies. By combining innovative software solutions with practical engineering expertise, new opportunities arise to tackle complex infrastructure projects more intelligently.
Together, we look beyond the map
Beyond the MAP brought together telecommunications and energy professionals, representatives from the gas, water, and electricity sectors, contractors, and stakeholders from GIPOD and KLIP/KLIM.
The engaging discussions, new insights, and valuable networking opportunities reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing across industry boundaries.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to IQGeo for the wonderful collaboration and this joint initiative. We would also like to thank our speakers, all attendees, the city of Sint-Niklaas, the MAP Mercator Museum, and Director Ward Bohé for their contributions to this successful event.
As a proud partner of MAP, we look back with great satisfaction on an event that brought together the past, the present, and the future.
Because we’re building the networks of tomorrow not just with technology, but above all by connecting knowledge, people, and processes.
Want to reminisce a little longer?
With Beyond the MAP, we look back on an inspiring evening full of fascinating insights, meaningful encounters, and enjoyable conversations. And we’d love to relive that feeling for a moment!
The aftermovie is here! Relive the atmosphere, the best moments, and the energy of the evening.
Watch the aftermovie below and relive Beyond the MAP one more time!