Mapping The Conversations

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations , host Dr. Valrie Grant is joined by Fernand Balé, Director of Côte d’Ivoire’s Center for Geospatial Information & Digital and former Co-Chair of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM). Together, they unpack how global geospatial frameworks move from concept to impact — transforming decision-mak...

Dr. Justin Bennett — 26-year DoD geospatial veteran, repeat entrepreneur and DBA joins Mapping the Conversations to unpack what really drives successful geospatial programs. He explains how interoperability improves data integrity, introduces his Geo IQ maturity ideas, and explores how Geo AI is reshaping geospatial research and practice. They dive into: Justin’s journey: USAF → federal mapping ro...

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations , hostDr. Valrie Grant sits down with Ron Chapple, VP of Global Strategic Solutions at NV5, to explore the evolving world of digital twins, geospatial intelligence, and visual storytelling. Ron brings a rare blend of Emmy-winning visual storytellingand cutting-edge geospatial innovation. From capturing breathtaking aerial cinematography for National Geo...

In this eye-opening episode of Mapping the Conversations,host Dr. Valrie Grant sits down with Kevin Pomfret, a leading voice in geospatial law, policy, and ethics. Kevin, a partner at Williams Mullen and adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University, shares his fascinating journey from satellite imagery analyst to legal expert in the rapidly evolving geospatial field. Together, they explore the in...

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations , hostDr. Valrie Grant welcomes Christy Monaco, Chief Operating Officer of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). With over 30 years of experience spanning the U.S. intelligence and geospatial community, Christy shares her journey from federal service to leading global geospatial standards for interoperability. Together, they explore how open geospatial...

In this special crossover edition , host Dr. Valrie Grant steps into the guest seat as she's interviewed by her colleagues from DBA Chronicles . Fresh off her successful dissertation defense, Dr. Grant unpacks her research: "Factors Influencing National Geospatial Information Management Adoption in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)". This insightful conversation explores how leadership,nationa...

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations , host Dr. Valrie Grant sits down with Dr. Greg Scott, Executive Director of the SDG Data Alliance, for a powerful conversation on thetransformative role of geospatial intelligence in sustainable development — especially for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). From his early days in aerial photography to shaping global geospatial policy at the UN, Dr...

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations , host ValrieGrant sits down with Aaron Addison, Executive Director of the World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC), for a deep dive into the future of the geospatial workforce and the evolving needs of our rapidly growing industry. Aaron shares insights from his rich career journey—fromfield surveyor to academic, to his current role helping to shape gl...

Join host Valrie Grant for a powerful conversation with AmyCoughenour Betancourt, the CEO of Cadasta, an organization at the forefront of using geospatial technology to advance land and resource rights for marginalized communities worldwide. In this special episode for Podcasthon, we highlight the transformative power of mapping in securing land tenure rights and socioeconomic security for over 7...

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations , host Valrie Grant sits down with John Kedar, a globally recognized geospatial strategy advisor and director of John Peter Geospatial Initiatives Limited. With an impressive career spanning the British Army, Ordnance Survey, and advisory roles for governments and international organizations, John has played a pivotal role in shaping national geospatial...

In this insightful episode of Mapping the Conversations , host Valrie Grant sits down with Álvaro Monett, Regional Advisor on Geospatial Information Management at UN-ECLAC. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of geospatial information management in Latin America and the Caribbean and its profound impact on regional development. Álvaro shares his fascinating journey into geospatial science...

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations , host Valrie Grant speaks with Maria Timbawala, President of the Jamaica YouthMappers Chapter and a 2024 YouthMappers Leadership Fellow. Maria shares her journey into the geospatial world, starting with her involvement in campus mapping projects and evolving into her leadership role. From tackling misconceptions about geospatial science to spearheading...

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations , host Valrie Grant welcomes Amanda Iglesias, Software Product Manager for Mobile Mapping Systems at Leica Geosystems. With nearly a decade of experience, Amanda shares her journey into the geospatial field, her role at Leica, and the exciting innovations shaping the industry. They discuss the talent challenges in the geospatial sector, strategies to at...

In celebration of GIS Day, this episode of Mapping the Conversations takes a deep dive into the everyday uses of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Our Host Valrie Grant introduces the episode where she uses Google Notebook LM tool, to craft a special feature exploring how GIS impacts our daily lives—whether it’s mapping disaster response, improving urban planning, tracking climate change, or o...

In this insightful episode of Mapping the Conversations , host Valrie Grant sits down with Boris Skopljak, Vice President of the Geospatial Sector at Trimble, to explore the rapidly evolving world of geospatial technology. With over two decades of experience in surveying and geoinformatics, Boris shares his journey from land surveying in Croatia to his leadership role at Trimble, where he now driv...

Welcome to a special episode of Mapping the Conversations ! As we approach the one-year anniversary of the podcast, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the progress made in the geospatial community over the past year. This episode features an audio montage from some of our guests who have been active in the UN-GGIM mechanism. They share their insights on: The maturity of the geospatial community o...

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations , host Valrie Grant speaks with Dr. Stuart Minchin, Director-General of the Pacific Community (SPC), about the impact of geospatial technologies in the Pacific. The discussion spotlights the Digital Earth Pacific initiative, exploring how it harnesses satellite data and technological tools to address pressing issues such as climate change, disaster prep...

In this insightful episode, host Valrie Grant sat down with Dr. Pooja Mahapatra, a geospatial expert who brings her passion for addressing global challenges through technology to the forefront. Dr. Mahapatra currently serves as the Principal Advisor for Climate & Nature at Fugro, where she focuses on climate resilience and biodiversity applications. Dr. Mahapatra shares her inspiring journey f...

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations , Valrie Grant is joined by Rolando Ocampo, the Chief of the Statistics Division at UN ECLAC, for a deep dive into the intersection of statistics and geospatial intelligence. Rolando shares his journey and extensive experience, including his work at Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), to his leadership roles in the geospatia...

In this engaging episode of Mapping the Conversations , host Valrie Grant sits down with David Henderson, the Chief Geospatial Officer at Ordnance Survey (OS), for an illuminating discussion on the transformative power of geospatial technologies. Henderson shares his extensive experience, insights, and visionary perspectives on how these technologies are reshaping industries and driving innovation...

In this captivating episode of Mapping the Conversations , host Valrie Grant sits down with Dr. Dawn Wright, the Chief Scientist at Esri. Journey through the depths of the ocean and the heights of scientific achievement as Dr. Wright shares her fascinating career and groundbreaking contributions to oceanography and geospatial science. From her early beginnings as an island girl to becoming the fir...

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations , host Valrie Grant sits down with Marc Prioleau , Executive Director of Overture Maps Foundation. Dive into the world of open map data, learn about the groundbreaking collaboration between industry giants like AWS, Meta, Microsoft, and TomTom, and discover how Overture Maps is transforming the geospatial landscape with innovative technologies. Marc Pri...

In this riveting episode of "Mapping the Conversations," host Valrie Grant sits down with Dr. Didacus Jules, the Director General of the OECS Commission, for an in-depth discussion that spans personal history, technological innovation, and regional transformation. Dr. Jules, whose life and career have been profoundly shaped by his active participation in the Grenada revolution, brings a...

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations, Valrie Grant sits down with Simone Michelle Lloyd, a key figure in the geospatial world in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Simone shares her inspiring journey, talks about GIS in the Caribbean, the challenges, the opportunities, and her vision for the future of geospatial in the region. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in geospatial scien...

Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the evolving world of hydrospatial data with Denis Hains, a leading figure in the field of hydrography and ocean mapping. Denis Hains, founder and CEO of H2i, has dedicated his career to advancing hydrographic sciences. Denis is also an active contributor to the International Hydrographic Organization and other associations. He is a Hydrospatial...