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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

Grab your maps and let's embark on a journey through the world of real estate innovation! In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we're exploring with Sumaiya Siddiqi and Rachelle Siwy, GIS Analysts from Colliers Canada. Together, we'll uncover how GIS technology is revolutionizing the real estate industry, from demographic analysis to future area projections.

In this special crossover episode, Geographical Thinking shines a spotlight on its sibling podcast, Spatial Report. We sit down with hosts, Mark Ho and Maggie Samson to uncover what it's like to be at the helm of this dynamic series, exploring the latest in GIS and beyond. As a bonus, we dive into the critical topic of Next Generation 911 by playing the most recent episode of Spatial Report, where the future of emergency response technology takes center stage.

Curious about how cities can become more accessible? In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we're talking with Kate Clark and Katherine Deturbide from the PEACH research group. Together, we'll explore how GIS is revolutionizing city planning to create more inclusive and connected spaces. From the forward-thinking 15-minute city to the innovative CANdid Access project, join us on this fascinating journey into the future of urban planning!