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→ Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler
What if the map on your phone isn’t just showing you reality… but shaping it?
In Part 2 with Curtis Copeland (GIS manager, cartographer, and co-host of Ozark Folk Chronicles) we dive deep into the hidden power behind maps.
From OnX hunting layers and lidar data to property boundaries and Google Earth, this episode unpacks how digital mapping influences how we hunt, fish, build, conserve, and even define the Ozarks themselves.
If you use trail cams, depth finders, AllTrails, or drop pins before a public land hunt, this conversation will completely change how you see the world.
Curtis explains why maps are interpretive, not neutral, how data is gathered (from aerial lidar to crowdsourcing), and why companies like OnX depend on massive public and private datasets.
We talk about mental maps, the Age of Discovery, political boundaries, bathymetry from fishing electronics, and how GIS can either expose fragile swimming holes or protect entire watersheds. This episode is about stewardship as much as technology, how better data can lead to better conservation in the Ozarks, if we use it wisely.
Together with...
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks
Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation
Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround
Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure
00:00 Maps have an agenda
12:00 How software like OnX collects its data
27:00 From mental to data-based mapping
34:00 Ozarkers vs. Ozarkians
44:00 How does all of this inform good land stewardship?
51:00 Illinois River watershed data
What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: [email protected]
By Kyle Veit & Kyle Plunkett4.9
190190 ratings
→ Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler
What if the map on your phone isn’t just showing you reality… but shaping it?
In Part 2 with Curtis Copeland (GIS manager, cartographer, and co-host of Ozark Folk Chronicles) we dive deep into the hidden power behind maps.
From OnX hunting layers and lidar data to property boundaries and Google Earth, this episode unpacks how digital mapping influences how we hunt, fish, build, conserve, and even define the Ozarks themselves.
If you use trail cams, depth finders, AllTrails, or drop pins before a public land hunt, this conversation will completely change how you see the world.
Curtis explains why maps are interpretive, not neutral, how data is gathered (from aerial lidar to crowdsourcing), and why companies like OnX depend on massive public and private datasets.
We talk about mental maps, the Age of Discovery, political boundaries, bathymetry from fishing electronics, and how GIS can either expose fragile swimming holes or protect entire watersheds. This episode is about stewardship as much as technology, how better data can lead to better conservation in the Ozarks, if we use it wisely.
Together with...
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks
Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation
Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround
Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure
00:00 Maps have an agenda
12:00 How software like OnX collects its data
27:00 From mental to data-based mapping
34:00 Ozarkers vs. Ozarkians
44:00 How does all of this inform good land stewardship?
51:00 Illinois River watershed data
What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: [email protected]

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