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Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Esri Canada
107 episodes
1 day ago
Tune in for inspiring stories from thought leaders and GIS users across business, government and education in Canada. Get practical tips for applying geospatial thinking to tackle challenges -- from simple ones encountered in everyday life to the most complex issues our world faces today.
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Earth Sciences
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All content for Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada is the property of Esri Canada and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Tune in for inspiring stories from thought leaders and GIS users across business, government and education in Canada. Get practical tips for applying geospatial thinking to tackle challenges -- from simple ones encountered in everyday life to the most complex issues our world faces today.
Show more...
Earth Sciences
Science
Episodes (20/107)
Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Getting Technical: Summer 2025 GIS Update

In this first edition of Getting Technical, a new quarterly segment on the Geographical Thinking podcast, we explore the latest updates from the world of GIS technology. This Summer 2025 update features Maggie Samson diving into what’s new in ArcGIS Online, from user experience enhancements to smart mapping updates. Jarret Totton joins us to unpack recent developments in ArcGIS Enterprise, including deployment improvements and admin tools. Then Céline Doré walks us through powerful new capabilities in ArcGIS Pro, from data editing upgrades to analysis tools. Whether you're managing web maps, enterprise systems, or desktop workflows, this episode will help you stay current and work smarter.

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2 weeks ago
32 minutes 37 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
A Young Generation of Conservation Leaders

In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake dives into the inspiring story of Ontario Nature’s Youth Council and their growing impact in the world of conservation. Hear from council members and the Ontario Nature staff that support them, as they share how they’re using digital tools, like ArcGIS StoryMaps and Canva, to raise awareness about wetland loss across Ontario.

From leading community events to developing social media campaigns, these young changemakers are proving that passion, creativity, and a little geospatial know-how can make a big difference. Whether you're a student, educator, or nature enthusiast, this episode is full of ideas on how youth can lead the way in environmental advocacy, armed with maps, messages, and mission-driven digital content.

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1 month ago
22 minutes 57 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Inside Overture Maps

Accurate, interoperable map data is the backbone of everything from navigation apps to emergency response systems. In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake explores how the Overture Maps Foundation is tackling the biggest challenges in digital mapping - data fragmentation, inconsistent formats, and lack of standardization.

 

Executive Director Marc Prioleau joins the show alongside Esri Canada’s Paul Heersink and Arif Rafiq to share how Overture is building a global, open map dataset that’s clean, current, and community-driven. From persistent feature IDs to monthly quality updates and standardized schemas, Overture is helping GIS professionals and organizations unlock the full potential of spatial data.

 

We’ll also hear how Esri Canada’s contributions through roads and address data are aligning with international best practices, and how transportation agencies can benefit from this shared approach. Whether you’re a map lover, data manager, or transportation planner, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of open, authoritative geospatial data.

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1 month ago
39 minutes 38 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
The Hidden Village of Clementsport

Once a bustling hub of shipbuilding and industry, the village of Clementsport, Nova Scotia, now holds much of its history in memory. But thanks to a powerful blend of storytelling and digital mapping, its past has been brought back into view.

In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we sit down with Fionnuala Braun, the creator of The Hidden Village of Clementsport StoryMap, and her father, Scott Digweed, volunteer archivist with the Clements Historical Society. Together, they reflect on the process of uncovering lost stories, digitizing community memory, and mapping what no longer stands. We explore what it means to map absence, how imagination plays a role in digital history, and what it felt like to have the project recognized as a finalist in Esri’s 2024 StoryMaps competition.

This episode is a tribute to community memory, grassroots storytelling, and the evolving ways we can engage with place—even places that seem to have disappeared.

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2 months ago
33 minutes 11 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Map It, Share It - But First, Read the License

Open data is meant to be shared, but it can quickly become a legal headache without a clear license. In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake is joined by Paul Heersink, Program Manager of Roads & Addresses at Esri Canada and chair of the Overture Maps Foundation’s addressing task force. Together, they dive into the world of open data licensing: what it is, why it matters, and how even small oversights can lead to big problems.

Paul shares insights from his work with hundreds of data sources across Canada and beyond. He explains how clear, standardized licenses like CC0, CC BY, and the Open Government License help organizations avoid confusion and encourage responsible data use. Whether you’re a GIS professional, data publisher, or just curious about how maps and data get shared, this episode will help you understand the importance of getting the fine print right.

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2 months ago
24 minutes 53 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Zoom In on Renters’ Rights

What if renters had a map that helped them understand their rights? In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we dive into the story behind the Tenant Policy Atlas—a one-of-a-kind tool that's putting renters, not just streets and buildings, on the map.

Michelle Brake sits down with T’Brenn Kelly-McKinnon and Cameron Glover from the Rental Protection Fund to explore how this interactive atlas is making waves across BC. From eviction protections to relocation policies, the tool is designed to cut through the confusion and help tenants, advocates, and policymakers see the bigger picture—literally.

Along the way, we hear why GIS is the secret weapon in the fight for affordable housing and what happens when technology meets a mission to protect homes and communities. Whether you're a map nerd, a renter, or just love a good story about using geography for good—this one's for you.

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3 months ago
37 minutes 55 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Climate Action Plans with a Sunny Outlook

In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake is joined by Sunny Fleming, Director of Environment, Conservation & Natural Resources Solutions at Esri Inc., to explore the crucial role of GIS in shaping effective and resilient climate action plans. Drawing on personal experiences with extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Helene, and professional insights gained through years of working with environmental data. Sunny shares how spatial thinking and GIS technology are transforming the way communities respond to climate change.

 

Together, Michelle and Sunny unpack the concept of climatehavens, discuss the common gaps in existing climate plans, and highlight how geospatial tools can bridge those gaps with real-time data, predictive modeling, and community-driven insights. They also explore the evolving role of technologies like GeoAI in supporting long-term climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.Whether you're part of a government agency, organization, or simply a curious individual, this conversation offers valuable advice on how to begin integrating GIS into climate action planning. Tune in to learn how mapping the right data can help us all prepare for an uncertain future—and take meaningful action today.

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3 months ago
45 minutes 49 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
A Hub for Change

How can data and mapping technology drive social change? In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we explore the Community Prosperity Hub, a powerful initiative that brings together nonprofits, policymakers, and residents to tackle community challenges with data-driven solutions.

Host Michelle Brake is joined by Sandi MacKinnon, Executive Director of Greater Fredericton Social Innovation, Kate Walsh, Project Coordinator at GFSI, and Rob Lunn, GIS Coordinator for the City of Fredericton. Together, they discuss the origins of the Community Prosperity Hub, the impact of GIS in supporting local decision-making, and how collaboration is shaping a more inclusive and resilient Fredericton.

From innovative partnerships to real-world success stories—like how local councillors used GIS data to better understand their wards—this episode highlights the power of maps in fostering meaningful change. Tune in to discover how geography and social innovation come together to build stronger communities.

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4 months ago
32 minutes 25 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Whales or Whitecaps?

In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake is joined by Dr. Mohamed Ahmed, Lead Data Scientist at Esri Canada, to explore how AI is transforming marine conservation. Fisheries and Oceans Canada collaborated with Esri Canada to train deep learning models to detect beluga whales in Arctic waters using aerial, drone, and satellite imagery. With accuracy rates of 85-88%, these models can analyze thousands of images in hours, a task that previously took months. Mohamed shares insights into the challenges of distinguishing whales from ice, the evolution of the AI models, and what this breakthrough means for the future of marine research. Tune in to discover how technology is helping us better understand Arctic ecosystems and the impact of climate change.

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4 months ago
30 minutes 27 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
The Community Map of Canada: Where Stories Meet Data

The Community Map of Canada is a living, breathing map built by and for Canadians! In this episode, Alex Miller, president and founder of Esri Canada, talks with our Esri colleagues about this collaborative project. Bringing together authoritative data from governments, communities, and organizations across the country to create a detailed and accessible basemap. From urban centers to remote wilderness, the Community Map of Canada reflects the diverse stories of our land. Whether you’re a GIS pro, a community advocate, or just a curious map lover, this episode will inspire you to see Canada in a whole new way!

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5 months ago
24 minutes 3 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Icicle IQ

Bundle up and get ready to test your winter wisdom! In this frosty episode of Geographical Thinking Caps, we’re diving into the snowy world of geography and holiday traditions. Our contestants will battle it out, answering everything from ice-cold trivia about northern lights to festive facts on quirky winter customs. With plenty of holiday cheer and a dash of friendly competition, who will be crowned the true winter wonderland whiz? Grab a cup of cocoa and join us for this fun-filled, frosty challenge—let the games begin!

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5 months ago
42 minutes 2 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Bringing History to Life with GIS

Imagine blending history, culture, and technology to create an interactive experience that helps preserve memories and share untold stories—sounds like magic, right? It’s actually the power of GIS storytelling! We’re diving into the Memory Maps project that uses the tools of the GIS world to connect us to the past and present in ways you may not expect. We’ll chat with the Saint Mary’s University Archaeology Lab team, uncovering how they use digital maps to tell powerful stories and make history come alive. Get ready for a journey that’s as rich in data as it is in culture. Let’s get started!

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6 months ago
39 minutes 11 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Data-Driven Destinations

In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we’re joined by Joe Amati, Senior Executive Director of Global Market and Brand Intelligence for Destination Canada. Together, we explore how data and mapping are transforming Canada’s tourism sector. Joe explains how Destination Canada uses research and AI-driven platforms like the Canadian Tourism Data Collective to boost tourism, ensuring the country remains a top global destination. Up to December 2024, the Canadian Tourism Data Collective had seen 18,000+ active users and 60 subscribed industry partners.

From pandemic recovery to the future of destination development, we dive into how strategic data is driving sustainable growth and enhancing the tourism experience for visitors and local communities alike. Tune in for a look at how the intersection of geography and innovation is shaping the future of Canadian travel.

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6 months ago
45 minutes 10 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
2024 Geospatial Reflections

As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on 2024—a year filled with innovation, breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments in the world of GIS. In this episode, I’ve asked some of my colleagues at Esri Canada to share their most memorable GIS moments of the year. From game-changing technology to community growth, you’ll hear stories that highlight how GIS continues to make an impact. Join us as we look back on these standout moments, explore why they resonated, and celebrate the power of geography to transform our lives and communities.

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8 months ago
35 minutes 58 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Catching Up on Quiet

In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we welcome back Ingrid Buday, founder of No More Noise Toronto, to discuss the organization’s remarkable growth and ongoing fight against urban noise pollution. Ingrid shares how her grassroots initiative has expanded from 240 to 1,600 members, all working to address noise sources like vehicle traffic, waste collection, and amplified sound. With innovative use of GIS technology and community-driven data collection, she’s paving the way for quieter, healthier city living. Tune in to hear how Ingrid is turning up the volume on advocacy and making impactful noise about the need for change.

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8 months ago
25 minutes 22 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Changing the Landscape with Women+ in Geospatial

Get ready to explore how diversity is reshaping the geospatial field! In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we’re sitting down with Dr. Julia Wagemann from Women+ in Geospatial (W+G). Together, we’ll uncover how this growing network is challenging stereotypes, building inclusive spaces, and inspiring future leaders in the industry. Julia’s been a key player in driving these changes, and we’re excited to explore how Women+ in Geospatial is paving the way for a more inclusive future in the field!

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9 months ago
34 minutes 30 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
How One GIS Analyst Keeps a Region Running

Get ready to map out some new territory as we dive into the world of GIS in regional management! In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we’re sitting down with Douglas Sauer from the Strathcona Regional District. Together, we’ll uncover how GIS is keeping the wheels turning behind the scenes—from emergency response to infrastructure planning. Douglas is a one-person GIS team supporting an entire region, so we’re excited to dig into how he puts the I in GIS!

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9 months ago
39 minutes 10 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Maps, Myths, and Monsters

Get ready for some serious brain-bending as contestants Mark Ho and Justin Brassard go head-to-head in Geographical Thinking Caps, our very own geospatial game show. With topics ranging from haunted hotspots to eerie urban legends, there's never a dull moment as our contestants vie for the title of geography guru. So grab your map and join our host, Michelle Brake, on this thrilling journey through the weird and wonderful world of geography!

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9 months ago
23 minutes 50 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Redefining Rurality in Healthcare Access

Join us as we navigate the complex landscape of rural health care! In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we’re talking with Tomoko McGaughey, a researcher from Carleton University who is redefining our understanding of rurality and its impact on healthcare access. Together, we’ll explore how new models and innovative GIS tools are transforming how we think about healthcare delivery in rural and remote communities, uncovering the challenges and opportunities ahead.

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10 months ago
33 minutes 31 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Management Perspectives: Three Years of Geospatial Success in Medicine Hat

Get ready for a retrospective! It’s time for Management Perspectives, a special series of the Geographical Thinking podcast where we discuss how geospatial strategy is helping organizations achieve their business goals.

 

On this episode of Management Perspectives, Esri Canada management consultant Kelsey Davis chats with Nigel Forster, GIS specialist with the City of Medicine Hat in Alberta, about three successful years of geospatial strategy at the City. They go over how a geospatial approach has transformed the City’s workflows, created GIS advocates among stakeholders and acted as a strong foundation for technological change at the City.

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10 months ago
24 minutes 32 seconds

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
Tune in for inspiring stories from thought leaders and GIS users across business, government and education in Canada. Get practical tips for applying geospatial thinking to tackle challenges -- from simple ones encountered in everyday life to the most complex issues our world faces today.