In this episode of the Geomob podcast, hosts Ed and Steven are joined by Ed Parsons for a rich conversation about the evolution of geospatial technology, the impact of Google on the industry, and the future of geospatial data. They discuss the transition from corporate life to freelancing, the importance of community in the geospatial field, and the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. The discussion also explores the utility of geospatial information in everyday life and the need for innovative thinking to address ongoing problems in the industry.

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, host Steven welcomes Ian James, who shares his extensive career at the Ordnance Survey. James, who spent over 40 years at the organization, discusses the dramatic evolution of cartography from traditional paper maps to modern digital databases. He reflects on the challenges of digitization, the impact of open data on the mapping industry, and the future of national mapping agencies, all while emphasizing the importance of integrating various data sources.

Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Ed interviews Olivia Ragone, a GIS data officer at the National Trust, discussing the integration of OpenStreetMap in the mapping the UK's historic sites and trails. Olivia shares insights into the challenges faced in mapping, the importance of community engagement, and the future of interactive mapping for visitors. The conversation highlights the significance of open data in conservation efforts and the collaborative approach needed to maintain accurate geographic information.

The NT Paths & Trails program has been funded through partnership with Cotswold Outdoors and included within on-going joint work with Sport England.

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, Ed interviews Gregory Marler, a key member of the OpenStreetMap community an organizer of the State of the Map Europe conference (14-15 Nov 2025). They discuss the upcoming event in Dundee, Scotland, its logistics, audience engagement, and the importance of community participation in the geospatial field. Gregory shares insights on the conference format, proposal process, and the diverse audience it aims to attract, emphasizing the need for collaboration and interaction among attendees.

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, host Alastair speaks with Laura O'Brien and Lewis Rattray from Frontierra, an environmental geospatial consultancy. They discuss the integration of satellite data into financial institutions to assess climate and nature risks. The conversation covers the role of geospatial data in decision-making, the importance of understanding nature-related risks, and the emerging applications of Earth observation data in finance. They also touch on the challenges of supply chain transparency and the future of environmental assessments in the financial sector.

Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Ed chats with Jussi Aho, now a Senior Product Manager at UP42, but previously at HERE. Jussi recently wrote an article about his unique experience working undercover as a delivery rider to gain insights into last-mile delivery challenges. They discuss the geospatial aspects of routing, the emotional and physical challenges faced by riders, and the importance of understanding user experience in product management. Jussi shares valuable lessons learned from his time on the bike, including the need for better navigation solutions and the human factors that impact delivery efficiency.

Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

In this conversation, Ed and Steven recap recent Geomob events in Barcelona and London, discussing attendance challenges and the cultural differences affecting participation. They highlight innovative talks from various speakers, focusing on geospatial technology applications in education, delivery solutions, and safety mapping. The discussion also touches on new developments like India's DigiPin system, emphasizing the need for effective delivery solutions in a rapidly digitalizing society.

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 is joined by guests Henry Rodman and Jonas Sølvsteen to discuss the EO API, a new initiative from Development Seed aimed at improving access to geospatial data. They cover their backgrounds in geospatial technology before turning to the API, focusing on how it works and its intended purpose. They delve into the STAC specification, its importance for data cataloging, and the target audience for EO API. The conversation also covers deployment challenges, user experience, and the importance of community engagement in the development of EO API.

Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Ed interviews Luís de Sousa about Discrete Global Grid Systems (DGGS), a transformative technology in the field of GIS. Luis explains the concept of DGGS, its historical context, and its significance in providing a more regular and usable partition of the Earth's surface compared to traditional latitude and longitude systems. The conversation covers the evolution of DGGS, its applications in various fields, particularly in environmental monitoring and data science, and the challenges faced by existing systems like H3. Luis emphasises the importance of community involvement in developing DGGS standards and tools.

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 recent Geomob Berlin event, highlighting its success and the innovative projects presented by various speakers. They also touch on upcoming events in London and Barcelona, and share updates on OpenCage's developments, including AI integration.

Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.