In this episode, I sit down with Felix Palmer, creator of A5, a new global grid system that’s redefining how we represent and analyze the Earth.
Felix shares how a 1980s math paper led him to build a pentagon-based global grid, one that fixes the distortions found in systems like H3 and S2, achieving true equal-area cells across the entire planet.

We discuss the geometry behind A5, the trade-offs of global gridding, and why visual design and spatial computation are deeply connected.
If you’ve ever worked with spatial indexes or wondered how we might rebuild the geometry of the globe itself, this episode will change the way you see maps.

We cover:

The origins of A5 and how it compares to H3
Why equal-area grids matter for accurate analysis
The visual and geometric challenges of mapping a sphere

A5 Website: https://a5geo.org/
A5 on GitHub: https://github.com/felixpalmer/a5

🚀 Ready to move beyond desktop GIS?
Step into the Spatial Lab: a global community for ambitious geospatial professionals who want to break out of outdated workflows and join the top 5% of the field.
👉 Join Spatial Lab: https://forrest.nyc/spatial-lab/

🎓 Want structured, career-changing learning?

🚀 Modern GIS Accelerator: https://forrest.nyc/accelerator/
— master Python, Spatial SQL & cloud workflows in 2 weeks

🧭 Career Compass: https://forrest.nyc/career-compass/
— fast, practical steps to land the GIS role you want

🪄 AI Copilot for GIS: https://forrest.nyc/ai-copilot-for-gis/
— learn to integrate AI into your geospatial workflows & boost your productivity

📰 Weekly modern GIS insights: https://forrest.nyc

⚡️ Spots for the next live cohort and mentorship cycle are closing soon,  join now to lock in your place and momentum.

CONNECT WITH ME
📸 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/matt_forrest/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbforr/
📧 Newsletter: https://forrest.nyc
🌐 Website: https://forrest.nyc