Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada

In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we’re joined by Joe Amati, Senior Executive Director of Global Market and Brand Intelligence for Destination Canada. Together, we explore how data and mapping are transforming Canada’s tourism sector. Joe explains how Destination Canada uses research and AI-driven platforms like the Canadian Tourism Data Collective to boost tourism, ensuring the country re...

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 i...

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...

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...

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 entir...

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 throug...

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 an...

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, abou...

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, w...

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 fa...

Grab your hiking boots and join us on a journey through the world of long-distance trails! In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we’ll be exploring with Galen Keily from the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Together, we'll uncover the role of GIS in preserving and managing one of America's most iconic trails.

Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of mapmaking with Heather Smith on this episode of Geographical Thinking! Heather spills the beans on her cartographic wizardry, revealing how she mixes creativity with data to craft tutorials that'll have you mapping like a pro in no time. We'll explore everything from the fine art of balancing aesthetics with precision, to the crucial role of acce...

Dust off those textbooks and sharpen your pencils because we're diving deep into the world of GIS education on this episode of Geographical Thinking! Join us as we explore the ins and outs of post-secondary GIS education with our special guests, Jon Salter and Rahul Chandra.

From the sandy shores of secluded islands to the bustling streets of exotic cities, this special edition of geographical thinking caps will put our contestants’ geographical savvy on display. Get ready to pack your bags with knowledge and embark on a journey of discovery as we explore everything from hidden gems to famous landmarks and anything in between!

Grab your toque and prepare for an icy voyage to the ends of the Earth! In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake speaks to Anais Schaenzel, who recently embarked on a thrilling expedition to Antarctica and documented it all with GIS. 

Grab your gardening gloves as we dig into the world of ecological restoration. In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we’ll explore innovative strategies for creating a greener, more resilient world with the insightful Heather Schibli, from Dougan & Associates.

Imagine a landscape where lichens are not just tiny patches on rocks and branches, but vibrant characters in a complex ecological story. In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we’ll talk with Miranda Frison, a master's student looking to uncover the hidden intricacies of lichen communities.

How are Alex Trebek, K-12 education, and GIS all connected? This episode of Geographical Thinking connects the dots as Michelle Brake talks with Jean Tong and Angela Alexander, two of the people who keep Esri Canada’s K-12 education program thriving.   

40 thousand children go missing in Canada every year. Missing Children Society of Canada is leveraging the latest location-based technology to ensure more children are found faster. 

Turning data into actionable insights is the superpower that most organizations dream of having. Jan Kestle founded Environics Analytics twenty years ago and is a seasoned expert in statistics and data analytics. In this conversation with Esri Canada’s Guan Yue, Jan demonstrates the importance of data-driven decision making with a keen focus on location intelligence. 

In this episode of Geographical Thinking, Matthew Lewin, director of strategic advisory at Esri Canada, interviews TD’s associate VP of geospatial data and retail analytics, Annie Latremouille. TD’s geospatial program is on the rise, with GIS technology helping to strengthen the customer experience and drive better business outcomes. Their success comes from positioning the group as a Canadian cen...

In very little time with very little money, Georgina Fire and Rescue Services transformed their community risk assessment process.  How did they do it? Esri’s Guan Yue speaks with Georgina Fire and Rescue Services Deputy Fire Chief Lorianne Zwicker who explains how real-time data collection and $58 saves lives. 

Did you know noise is the #2 Urban Environmental Health Hazard affecting our sleep, our bodies and our minds?  Making a ruckus about excessive noise in the big city before noise by-laws are reviewed, Ingrid Buday, founder of No More Noise Toronto, tells Guan Yue how she’s taken matters into her own hands. 

Southlake Regional Health Centre’s hyper-local interventions, tailored and targeted to the Northern York Region of Ontario, are gained through geoanalytics.    Our guest speaker is Gayle Seddon, Director of the Southlake Community Ontario Health Team. Gayle joined Southlake Regional Health Centre as the Executive Innovator.