Geomob

In this episode, Khalid, the Chief Scientist at Sensat, discusses the evolution of the company from a data-collection organisation to a software company focused on creating visual digital twins for the infrastructure industry. He explains the concept of digital twins, the role of Sensat Labs in fostering innovation, and the challenges of technology adoption in the industry. Khalid also shares insights on the skills needed for success at Sensat, emphasising the importance of curiosity and adaptability in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Ed and Steven discuss the intersection of AI and mapping, exploring how AI tools can assist in creating various types of maps, including political atlases and maps of social issues like inequality and gun crime. They reflect on the challenges and successes of using AI for coding and data processing, the importance of documentation, and the evolving landscape of open-source software in the age of AI. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Steven interviews Bojan Šavrič, a senior software development engineer at Esri, who specializes in map projections. They discuss the complexities of map projections, the importance of selecting the right one based on the map's purpose, and delve into the Equal Earth projection, which aims to provide a more accurate representation of the world. The conversation also touches on the campaign 'Correct the Map' initiated by the African Union, advocating for the use of the Equal Earth projection to better represent Africa on world maps. Bojan shares insights into the future of projections and ongoing projects at Esri, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of projections in the field of cartography. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

In the final episode of the Geomob podcast for 2025, hosts Ed and Steven reflect on the past year, discuss the evolving role of AI in geocoding and data maintenance, and recap recent Geomob events in Berlin and Barcelona. They explore innovations in cycling infrastructure, the importance of citizen science, and the challenges posed by GPS technology. The conversation highlights the advancements in geospatial technology and the exciting future ahead in 2026.Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Merry Christmas! In this festive Geomob podcast, the co-hosts reflect on the past year, celebrating achievements within the geospatial community, discussing highlights from various events, and sharing personal triumphs. They also explore gift ideas for geo enthusiasts and set goals for the podcast in the coming year, emphasizing the importance of emerging voices in the industry and the need for honest conversations about the future of geospatial technology, particularly in relation to AI and sustainability. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

New Geomob host Denise discusses the recently released AGI Foresight Report with Richard Flemmings, CEO of Map Impact. They explore the significance of the report, its findings, and the reflections from the AGI conference. Key themes include the evolution of geospatial technology, the importance of skills development, and the global relevance of the report's insights. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration within the geospatial community and invites listeners to engage with the report's recommendations.Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

The conversation provides a detailed review of the FOSS4G:UK 2025 conference, highlighting its significance as a return to in-person events after a long hiatus. Alastair discusses the organisation, positive feedback, and the engaging talks and workshops that took place. He emphasises the importance of community involvement and the successful logistics of the event, as well as the insights shared by keynote speakers. The conversation concludes with reflections on the OSGeo:UK AGM and potential future FOSS4G:UK events. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Our guest is Dirk Voets, organizer of Geomob Netherlands, which started in 2024. Dirk looks back on the progress since then. We discuss the Dutch geospatial scene generally, and look forward to the upcoming January event (rescheduled from December). The conversation explores the importance of community in the geospatial field, emphasizing the value of sharing experiences and learning from failures. Dirk Voets discusses the role of Geomob in connecting professionals and fostering a supportive environment for growth and collaboration. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

In this episode of the Geomob podcast, Alastair speaks with Freddie Hunter from Forest Research about the innovative mapping of Trees Outside Woodlands across England. They discuss the importance of this data set for ecological monitoring, the methodologies used for data processing, and the various applications of the data in tree planting and carbon assessment. Freddie also shares insights into quality assessment and the plans for future updates to the data. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Ed's guest is Felix Palmer, introducing the A5 discrete global grid system. The conversation explores the intriguing concept of tiling pentagons, revealing that while it may seem impossible, it can be achieved by altering the angles of the vertices. The discussion also delves into the implications of projections from geometric shapes like the icosahedron to the sphere, highlighting how these projections can warp angles yet still maintain surface coverage.Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Alastair hosts this special, listener-suggested episode by introducing the topic of lost ponds: how to find them and why they matter. Darren Tansley of the Essex Wildlife Trust then joins Alastair to discuss the project to map and restore these lost ponds across the UK. They cover the surprising scale of habitat loss, the methodology used by citizen scientists relying on historical and modern maps, and the ecological importance of ponds for species like the Turtle Dove and beneficial insects. The discussion also reflects on the essential work with farm clusters, the role of geospatial data in local nature strategy, and the potential economic benefits that pond restoration could bring to modern agriculture. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.  

Ed and Steven recap the recent GeomobLON event, discussing the turnout, speaker highlights, and the overall atmosphere. They reflect on the challenges of organizing free events, the importance of geospatial data in policy-making, and the diverse range of topics covered by speakers. The conversation also touches on upcoming events in various cities and the need for community engagement. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.    

In this episode of the podcast, host Steven welcomes back James Cheshire, a professor of geographic information and cartography at UCL, to discuss his latest book, 'The Library of Lost Maps.' The conversation explores the evolution of cartography, the significance of thematic maps, and the historical context of mapping practices. Cheshire shares insights into the stories behind various maps and mapmakers, including George Greenough and the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, while also addressing the darker uses of maps in shaping ideologies during the rise of fascism. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.  

In this episode of the Geomob podcast, Steven speaks with James Norris, the head of International Affairs at Ordnance Survey, about the evolving role of national mapping agencies in a digital world. They discuss the significance of the Cambridge Conference, the changing landscape of geospatial data, the importance of trust in mapping, and the impact of technology on the future of mapping. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration, innovation, and a focus on people in the geospatial field. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

In this special episode of the Geomob podcast, Steven introduces the newest host for Geomob, Denise McKenzie and then hands over the hosting duties. Denise shares her journey in the geospatial sector. Then the conversation explores the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry, reflections on the podcast's evolution over 300 episodes, and the significance of having women represented in geospatial discussions. Steven offers advice for aspiring podcasters, emphasizing the importance of partnership and simplicity. The episode concludes with aspirations for future guests and the desire to inspire listeners with impactful stories from the geospatial community. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.    

In this episode, Ed and Steven discuss their recent experiences at various conferences, including the IoT conference in Amsterdam and Geomob Berlin. They highlight the importance of community engagement in the geospatial field, share insights on mapping contributions, and announce upcoming events. The conversation also touches on job opportunities within the community and the introduction of a new host for the podcast, aiming to bring fresh perspectives to future episodes. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.  

Ed interviews Matt Forrest from Whereobots, discussing the evolution of geospatial technology, the importance of cloud-native solutions, and the challenges of data privacy. Matt shares his journey in the GIS field, the services offered by Whereobots, and the educational resources he provides to help others navigate the complexities of geospatial data processing. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.  

Ed interviews Maik Busch, the creator of VulkanMaps, a new software that leverages graphics processing units to render OpenStreetMap data locally. Mike shares his background in geospatial technology, the evolution of VulkanMaps over the past decade, and the technical innovations that make it possible. The conversation explores the differences between traditional map rendering methods and VulkanMaps, its potential use cases, and the future of map rendering technology, including the integration of AI. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.  

In this episode, Ed and Steven reflect on their summer experiences, celebrate listener engagement, and discuss upcoming events in the geocommunity. They share insights on business updates, challenges with large customers, and milestones such as Mappery's 7th birthday. The conversation also touches on the ease of organizing local geomob events and the importance of community involvement. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.  

Join us for episode 302. of the Geomob Podcast as Steven hosts Will Cadell of SparkGeo to discuss the GEOFESTO, a manifesto for the geospatial sector. They delve into five key principles that aim to reshape how geospatial professionals approach their work, from promoting spatial thinking to fostering collaboration and focusing on outcomes. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.