Accurate, interoperable map data is the backbone of everything from navigation apps to emergency response systems. In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake explores how the Overture Maps Foundation is tackling the biggest challenges in digital mapping - data fragmentation, inconsistent formats, and lack of standardization.

Executive Director Marc Prioleau joins the show alongside Esri Canada’s Paul Heersink and Arif Rafiq to share how Overture is building a global, open map dataset that’s clean, current, and community-driven. From persistent feature IDs to monthly quality updates and standardized schemas, Overture is helping GIS professionals and organizations unlock the full potential of spatial data.

We’ll also hear how Esri Canada’s contributions through roads and address data are aligning with international best practices, and how transportation agencies can benefit from this shared approach. Whether you’re a map lover, data manager, or transportation planner, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of open, authoritative geospatial data.

Once a bustling hub of shipbuilding and industry, the village of Clementsport, Nova Scotia, now holds much of its history in memory. But thanks to a powerful blend of storytelling and digital mapping, its past has been brought back into view.

In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we sit down with Fionnuala Braun, the creator of The Hidden Village of Clementsport StoryMap, and her father, Scott Digweed, volunteer archivist with the Clements Historical Society. Together, they reflect on the process of uncovering lost stories, digitizing community memory, and mapping what no longer stands. We explore what it means to map absence, how imagination plays a role in digital history, and what it felt like to have the project recognized as a finalist in Esri’s 2024 StoryMaps competition.

This episode is a tribute to community memory, grassroots storytelling, and the evolving ways we can engage with place—even places that seem to have disappeared.

Open data is meant to be shared, but it can quickly become a legal headache without a clear license. In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake is joined by Paul Heersink, Program Manager of Roads & Addresses at Esri Canada and chair of the Overture Maps Foundation’s addressing task force. Together, they dive into the world of open data licensing: what it is, why it matters, and how even small oversights can lead to big problems.

Paul shares insights from his work with hundreds of data sources across Canada and beyond. He explains how clear, standardized licenses like CC0, CC BY, and the Open Government License help organizations avoid confusion and encourage responsible data use. Whether you’re a GIS professional, data publisher, or just curious about how maps and data get shared, this episode will help you understand the importance of getting the fine print right.

What if renters had a map that helped them understand their rights? In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we dive into the story behind the Tenant Policy Atlas—a one-of-a-kind tool that's putting renters, not just streets and buildings, on the map.

Michelle Brake sits down with T’Brenn Kelly-McKinnon and Cameron Glover from the Rental Protection Fund to explore how this interactive atlas is making waves across BC. From eviction protections to relocation policies, the tool is designed to cut through the confusion and help tenants, advocates, and policymakers see the bigger picture—literally.

Along the way, we hear why GIS is the secret weapon in the fight for affordable housing and what happens when technology meets a mission to protect homes and communities. Whether you're a map nerd, a renter, or just love a good story about using geography for good—this one's for you.

In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake is joined by Sunny Fleming, Director of Environment, Conservation & Natural Resources Solutions at Esri Inc., to explore the crucial role of GIS in shaping effective and resilient climate action plans. Drawing on personal experiences with extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Helene, and professional insights gained through years of working with environmental data. Sunny shares how spatial thinking and GIS technology are transforming the way communities respond to climate change.

Together, Michelle and Sunny unpack the concept of climatehavens, discuss the common gaps in existing climate plans, and highlight how geospatial tools can bridge those gaps with real-time data, predictive modeling, and community-driven insights. They also explore the evolving role of technologies like GeoAI in supporting long-term climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.Whether you're part of a government agency, organization, or simply a curious individual, this conversation offers valuable advice on how to begin integrating GIS into climate action planning. Tune in to learn how mapping the right data can help us all prepare for an uncertain future—and take meaningful action today.

How can data and mapping technology drive social change? In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we explore the Community Prosperity Hub, a powerful initiative that brings together nonprofits, policymakers, and residents to tackle community challenges with data-driven solutions.

Host Michelle Brake is joined by Sandi MacKinnon, Executive Director of Greater Fredericton Social Innovation, Kate Walsh, Project Coordinator at GFSI, and Rob Lunn, GIS Coordinator for the City of Fredericton. Together, they discuss the origins of the Community Prosperity Hub, the impact of GIS in supporting local decision-making, and how collaboration is shaping a more inclusive and resilient Fredericton.

From innovative partnerships to real-world success stories—like how local councillors used GIS data to better understand their wards—this episode highlights the power of maps in fostering meaningful change. Tune in to discover how geography and social innovation come together to build stronger communities.

In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake is joined by Dr. Mohamed Ahmed, Lead Data Scientist at Esri Canada, to explore how AI is transforming marine conservation. Fisheries and Oceans Canada collaborated with Esri Canada to train deep learning models to detect beluga whales in Arctic waters using aerial, drone, and satellite imagery. With accuracy rates of 85-88%, these models can analyze thousands of images in hours, a task that previously took months. Mohamed shares insights into the challenges of distinguishing whales from ice, the evolution of the AI models, and what this breakthrough means for the future of marine research. Tune in to discover how technology is helping us better understand Arctic ecosystems and the impact of climate change.

The Community Map of Canada is a living, breathing map built by and for Canadians! In this episode, Alex Miller, president and founder of Esri Canada, talks with our Esri colleagues about this collaborative project. Bringing together authoritative data from governments, communities, and organizations across the country to create a detailed and accessible basemap. From urban centers to remote wilderness, the Community Map of Canada reflects the diverse stories of our land. Whether you’re a GIS pro, a community advocate, or just a curious map lover, this episode will inspire you to see Canada in a whole new way!