In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake sits down with Darian Shakerinia from Fathom Studio to explore how GIS is shaping the next generation of community planning and design.

We discuss how GIS bridges the gap between conceptual design and real-world implementation, enabling planners to understand context, identify opportunities and navigate constraints with clarity. Darian shares real project examples, from land suitability analysis to an AI-driven parking study, illustrating how tools like drone imagery, aerial data and ArcGIS Pro’s object detection capabilities can transform workflows and uncover insights that traditional methods might miss.

Whether you're curious about the technology shaping today’s communities or looking for inspiration in your own spatial practice, this episode highlights how geography remains at the heart of thoughtful, resilient design.

In this seasonal edition of Getting Technical, we’re unpacking the latest updates across the ArcGIS ecosystem. Malena McCrossan-Moses starts us off by digging into key changes in the ArcGIS Living Atlas and why keeping your metadata up to date is more important than ever. Next, Catherine-Anne Currie explores evolving features in ArcGIS Hub and what they mean for your organization as the platform continues to grow. Next, Finally, Erica Corbett closes the episode with new capabilities in ArcGIS for Microsoft, highlighting integrations and tools designed to boost productivity across your workflows. Whether you’re working in the Microsoft environment, relying on authoritative data, or building community engagement, this episode will help you stay current and work smarter.

Behind every screen is a design decision and behind every decision is a responsibility: to make technology usable for everyone. In this episode of Geographical Thinking, Michelle Brake sits down with Jessica McCall from Esri’s accessibility team to explore what digital accessibility really means and why it matters.

From screen readers and keyboard navigation to colour contrast and cognitive load, we dive into practical strategies for inclusive design and how to apply them in GIS and mapping technologies. Jessica shares best practices, testing methods, and resources for developers, designers, and anyone passionate about creating tech that works for all. Plus, we look ahead to the future of accessibility, including the role of AI and innovations shaping spatial data experiences.

Pack your bags for a festive challenge! In this special Geographical Thinking Caps episode, we test your ability to separate fact from fiction. Contestants face off to decide whether snowy place names belong to real Canadian towns or beloved holiday movies. With laughs, geography trivia, and a dash of misdirection, you’ll explore quirky communities and cinematic classics. Hosted by Michelle Brake, and featuring Alison O’Brien and Allison Pinto, this game show edition blends fun, learning, and holiday cheer. Grab your atlas, or your popcorn, and play along!

In this edition of Getting Technical, we break down the latest updates across the Esri ecosystem. Jeff Petillion kicks things off with new capabilities in Imagery, including enhancements to the Content Store and Excalibur. Next, Kevin Iraheta explores what’s fresh in ArcGIS Indoors, from improved navigation to smarter space management. Finally, Sue Enyedy wraps up with powerful updates in ArcGIS Field Maps that streamline data collection and field operations. Whether you’re working with imagery, indoor mapping, or field workflows, this episode will help you stay ahead and work smarter.

What makes a map “lost”? In this episode of Geographical Thinking, Michelle Brake welcomes Professor James Cheshire to explore The Library of Lost Maps, a collection of once-famous cartographic gems that have faded from public memory. From beautifully crafted atlases to practical wartime schematics, these maps reveal the values, fears, and dreams of the societies that made them. Plus, hear how modern tools like GIS are reshaping our understanding of space and place.

The Esri Canada User Conference is back and it’s more than just maps!

In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake is joined by Mike Gregotski and Mary Jane Maher from the Esri Canada User Conference (UC) planning team to explore what makes this event a must-attend for Canada’s GIS community. The theme, “GIS: Integrating Everything Everywhere,” highlights how geography plays a vital role in connecting people, data and ideas to solve real-world challenges. From keynote speakers to kiosk setups, our guests share what goes into planning a conference of this scale and why face-to-face connection matters more than ever.

Whether you're planning to attend for the first time or are looking forward to returning triumphant, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the energy, logistics and inspiration that make the Esri Canada UC a must-attend event.

In this first edition of Getting Technical, a new quarterly segment on the Geographical Thinking podcast, we explore the latest updates from the world of GIS technology. This Summer 2025 update features Maggie Samson diving into what’s new in ArcGIS Online, from user experience enhancements to smart mapping updates. Jarret Totton joins us to unpack recent developments in ArcGIS Enterprise, including deployment improvements and admin tools. Then Céline Doré walks us through powerful new capabilities in ArcGIS Pro, from data editing upgrades to analysis tools. Whether you're managing web maps, enterprise systems, or desktop workflows, this episode will help you stay current and work smarter.