I. Private Sector Network
Over the past ten years, UN-GGIM: Americas has built a legacy of growth and transformative achievements, a testament to its unwavering commitment to collaboration. At the center of this success have been strong partnerships with both the Private Sector Network for the Americas (PSNA) and the Academic Network of the Americas (ANA). Together, these networks represent a harmonious synergy between the private sector, academia and Member States, each bringing their unique strengths and perspectives to support the advancement of regional geospatial initiatives.
The PSNA has been instrumental in ensuring that the voice of the private sector is heard and integrated, establishing a bridge for collaboration and communication with Member States. Dedication to fostering open dialogue has been instrumental in harnessing the collective power of the private sector and UN-GGIM: Americas. The collaborative relationship between the ANA and PSNA has paved the way for the co-creation of knowledge, ensuring that technological advances are informed by research and oriented towards practical, real-world applications. As we reflect on this decade, these partnerships have expanded the region's ability to harness geospatial information, providing nations with the necessary tools, experience and academic insights to navigate an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Mapping the Conversations
Mapping the Conversations is a podcast that focuses on the geospatial world and the use of data for decision-making. It explores how maps, location technology, and data analytics can help solve complex problems and improve people's lives.
The show aims to connect the technical community with human stories to show how map-mediated "conversation" can transform sectors such as agriculture, urban planning, and environmental sustainability. Host Valerie Grant interviews experts, thought leaders, and innovators in the field to discuss trends, challenges, and the future of geographic information systems (GIS) and location intelligence.
Maximizing Geospatial Data Integrity
Guest: Dr. Justin Bennett.
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.
Talking Digital Twins
Guest: Ron Chapple, VP of Global Strategic Solutions at NV5.
Exploring what digital twins are (beyond visuals/maps), how immersive visuals & remote sensing tell environmental stories, how they are “living assets,” and the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration (data scientists, artists, etc.)
Geospatial Law, Ethics & the Edge of Innovation
Guest: Kevin Pomfret, Partner at Williams Mullen; adjunct professor, Johns Hopkins.
Intersection of law, policy, and ethics in geospatial tech: covering privacy, AI implications, data sovereignty, governance, and legal norms in a field that’s rapidly evolving.
Unlocking Interoperability: The Power of Open Geospatial Standards
Guest: Christy Monaco, COO, Open Geospatial Consortium, OGC.
Why open standards matter: how they support climate resilience, disaster response etc.; how standards are developed; collaboration, and engagement especially for underrepresented regions.
Coordinates of Change: Exploring NGIM Adoption in Small Island Developing States
Guest: Valrie Grant, interviewed by DBA Chronicles.
A “crossover” episode: Valrie shares her doctoral research on “Factors Influencing National Geospatial Information Management Adoption in SIDS.” Covers leadership, innovation systems, external pressures, and why NGIM adoption is important for resilience, disaster prep, sustainable development for small island states.
Data for Resilience: The SDG Data Alliance and SIDS
Guest: Dr. Greg Scott, Director Ejecutivo, SDG Data Alliance.
Discussion about how the SDG Data Alliance works, especially in supporting SIDS; bridging data divides, moving from data → insight → action; capacity building; how geospatial data plays into sustainable development & climate resilience.
Building the Future: Workforce Development in the Geospatial Industry
Guest: Aaron Addison, Executive Director, WGIC – World Geospatial Industry Council.
A look at workforce needs, gaps between industry & academia, mentorship, education/up-skilling; how new technologies (AI etc.) are changing what skills are needed; inclusive career pathways.
Scaling Global Land Rights through Geospatial Innovation: The Cadasta Story
Guest: Amy Coughenour Betancourt, CEO, Cadasta.
How mapping/geospatial tech help secure land and resource rights for marginalized groups; Cadasta’s impact in many communities; role of community, indigenous, women; partnerships; sustainable land use, biodiversity monitoring etc.
Geospatial Information Management in SIDS
Guest: John Kedar, Geospatial Strategy Advisor; Director, John Peter Geospatial Initiatives Ltd.
Factors influencing NGIM adoption in SIDS; role of frameworks like UN-IGIF; how geospatial info contributes to climate resilience, disaster prep, sustainable growth; open data; collaboration.
Region Geospatial Information Management
Guest: Álvaro Monett, Regional Advisor on Geospatial Information Management at ECLAC.
Geospatial data infrastructures in Latin America & Caribbean; how governments are integrating geospatial and statistical data; decision-making, disaster response, planning; capacity building; challenges and opportunities.
Empowering Communities through Youth-Led Mapping
Guest: Maria Timbawala, President Jamaica Youth Mappers Chapter; Youth Mappers Leadership Fellow.
Maria’s journey into youth mapping; mapping projects (campus, community) in Jamaica; obstacles & opportunities for youth; partnerships; role of youth in sustainable development & SDGs via geospatial tools.
Talent Dynamics in the Geospatial Industry
Guest: Amanda Iglesias, Software Product Manager, Mobile Mapping Systems, Leica Geosystems.
Looking at how to attract/retain young talent; challenges in workforce; the role of cutting-edge tools like mobile mapping, digital twins; adapting to generational shifts; inclusion and innovation in skills.
Special GIS Day Episode: GIS in Everyday Life
Guest: Valrie Grant
A thematic episode for GIS Day: exploring how GIS is part of our daily lives (urban planning, logistics, climate tracking, disaster response), how GIS transforms data into decision tools; practical examples.
Innovation and Geospatial Leadership
Guest: Boris Skopljak, Vice President of Geospatial Sector, Trimble.
Boris’s career journey; how AI, IoT, sensor fusion, etc., are reshaping geospatial technology; business models; regulatory, workforce, sustainability challenges; role of geospatial leadership in innovation.
A Look at Digital Earth Pacific
Guest: Dr. Stuart Minchin, Director-General of the Pacific Community (SPC).
Discussion of the Digital Earth Pacific initiative; satellite and spatial data tools addressing climate, disaster preparedness in Pacific Islands; capacity building; opportunities & challenges; possibly linking to broader “Digital Earth” programs.
Reflection & Resilience
Many Guests.
Reflecting 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.
Climate Resilience and Geospatial innovation
Guest: Dr. Pooja Mahapatra
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.
Geospatial and Statistics for Sustainable Development
Guest: Rolando Ocampo, Director of the Statistics Division, ECLAC.
His journey and experience; integrating geospatial intelligence with statistics for sustainable development; regional data portal; capacity building; vision for integrating disciplines in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Geospatial Strategies for Climate Action
Guest: David Henderson, Chief Geospatial Officer, Ordnance Survey.
How geospatial data and strategies are being used to address climate change; international collaboration; key projects; innovation; and future vision for geospatial’s role in climate action.
Mapping The Deep
Guest: Dra. Dawn Wright, Esri Chief Scientist.
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 first Black person to visit Challenger Deep, Dr. Wright's story is one of inspiration, innovation, and resilience.
An Open Mapping Future? Turning Attention to Overture Maps
Guest: 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.
Data Driven OECS Region
Guest: Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS Commission.
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 unique perspective to the table.
Harnessing Geospatial Intelligence for Caribbean Development
Guest: Simone Michelle Lloyd, certified geospatial professional, project manager, educator, and trainer.
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 sciences, leadership, and regional development.
The Value of Hydrospacial
Guest: Denis Hains, founder and CEO of H2i.
Exploring the significance of hydrospatial data, its impact on the blue economy, and the roles of international collaborations in shaping global hydrospatial strategies.
Remembering Jacquiline daCosta - A True GIS Pioneer
Guest: Cecille Blake and Nadine Brown
In this special tribute episode of Mapping the Conversations, we honour the life and legacy of Jacqueline daCosta, a pioneering force in GIS and development in the Caribbean. Our guests, Cecille Blake and Nadine Brown, share their personal and professional reflections on Mrs. daCosta. Join us as we explore her remarkable career, her groundbreaking contributions to geospatial sciences, and the lasting impact she has had on the community.
Geovation's Role in the Geospatial Ecosystem
Guest: Isabelle Chatel de Brancion, Business and Innovation Lead at Geovation, Ordnance Survey's innovation hub.
Isabelle shares her unique and non-linear path from architecture to innovation in the geospatial industry. Her experience spans across the UK, France, and Italy, bringing a diverse perspective to the PropTech and GeoTech at Geovations, where she supports early-stage startups leveraging geospatial data to transform their businesses and contribute property and built environment industries and various other sectors.
Exploring Space Technologies in Small Island Nations
Guest: Madin Maseeh, founder and President of the Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO).
Discussing the value of space and space technologies for Small Island Nations. He shares his journey and what motivated him to get into the space sector. Madin emphasizes the importance of collaborations and partnerships in driving positive change and highlights the MSRO has been engaging the local community in different projects. He discusses some key projects such as Digital Earth Maldives. He also highlights the upcoming Small Island Nations Conference (SINC 2024) and encourages all to attend.
Advancing Geospatial Technology in the Caribbean
Guest: Professor Bheshem Ramlal.
In this thought-provoking episode of Mapping The Conversations, host Valrie Grant engages with Professor Bheshem Ramlal, a name synonymous with geospatial brilliance in the Caribbean. The discussion uncovers the professor's transformative journey within the realm of geospatial sciences and the uncharted possibilities maps offer in understanding our dance with planet Earth. Listeners will voyage through a narrative of discovery, innovation, and dedication with one of the Caribbean's geospatial pioneers.
Discussing the National Geospatial Information Arrangements
Guest: Dr. Joep Crompvoets.
Join a journey exploring the essence, evolution, and impact of location intelligence and national geospatial information arrangements. The conversation delves into the waves of change within the geospatial domain, touching upon the significance of spatial data infrastructures and the emerging uncharted terrains shaped by contemporary trends in the field.
The Role of the Private Sector in Global Geospatial Initiatives
Guest: Dr. Zaffar Mohamed-Ghouse.
Explore the unchartered potentials of location intelligence and its vital role in harmonizing humanity's relationship with Earth. Their dialogue orbits around the transformative impacts and burgeoning innovations in the field of geospatial technology. This conversation delves into Dr. Zaffar's rich background, his professional journey, and his leadership in global geospatial initiatives like UN-GGIM.
The Role of the UN-GGIM Americas Academic Network in Shaping Geospatial Strategies
Guest: Dra. Rosario Casanova, president of the UN-GGIM Academic Network for the Americas.
Dr. Casanova sheds light on the transformative impact of geospatial technology and the critical role of the UN-GGIM Americas Academic Network in advancing location intelligence. The conversation delves into the various hats Rosario wears, particularly focusing on her influential contributions as the president of the UN-GGIM Academic Network for the Americas.
The Future of Geospatial Technology: Unlocking the Power of AI and Machine Learning
Guest: Mark Reichardt, Senior Consultant Geospatial World
In this episode of "Mapping the Conversations," Valrie Grant delves into the transformative powers of geospatial technology with Mark Reichardt, a luminary in the field. Their exchange sheds light on the groundbreaking advancements that are shaping our understanding and interaction with the world around us. Reichardt's in-depth experience lends a unique perspective on the evolution of the geospatial industry and its future potential.
Drones for Good: How Geospatial Technology is Changing the World
Guest: Sonja Betschart, co-founder/co-pilot at We Robotics & Flying Labs network.
The power of geospatial technology and drones for social good. She shares her journey and the challenges she faced in creating a network of local experts in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific. Sonja emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnerships in driving positive change and highlights the role of technology as a tool for community engagement and conversation. She also discusses the impact of geospatial technology in creating sustainable and resilient communities. Overall, Sonja's message is to harness the power of local expertise and empower communities through technology.
Exploring the Future of Geospatial Science
Guest: Dr. Nadine Alameh, Executive Director of the Taylor Geospatial Institute.
Discusses the institute's mission to leverage geospatial technology to solve global problems. She highlights the importance of collaboration and the need to build a research collaborative among the consortium members and the wider geospatial community. Dr. Alameh also emphasizes the institute's focus on agriculture, food security, health, and national security, and the potential impact of geospatial science on these areas.
Collaborate to Innovate: Building Strong Partnerships in the Geospatial Ecosystem
Guest: Barbara Ryan, Executive Director of World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC).
The significance of the WGIC's new brand and its representation of the geospatial industry. Barbara highlights the evolution of the geospatial conversation, emphasizing the need for integration and collaboration across different disciplines.
Revolutionizing Geospatial Data Collection: The Transformative Power of Low Cost Drones
Guest: Dr. Earl Edwards, lecturer in the Geospatial Information Sciences Program and Coordinator of the MSc in Geoinformatics at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine in Trinidad.
Exploring the various use cases of low-cost drones, such as mapping, surveying, monitoring, and disaster management. He emphasizes the importance of software and data processing in maximizing the value of the data collected with drones.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Geospatial Industry
Guest: Albert H. Anoubon Momo, Vice President of Emerging Markets and Funded Projects at Trimble.
Discussing the lack of diversity in the industry and the pivotal moment when Trimble's CEO took a stance on DEI. He shares his role in promoting DEI within Trimble, his involvement with organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers and Cadasta, and his work with the World Geospatial Industry Council.
From Data to Vision: Delving into the UN-IGIF
Guest: Ms. Deirdre Bishop, Chief of the Geography Division of the US Census Bureau and Chair of the high-level group on the UN-IGIF.
Discuss the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF) and its impact on global geospatial information management.
Unlocking the Power of Geospatial Information for Global Development
Guest: Paloma Merodio Gómez, Co-chair United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UNGGIM).
Delving into the critical role of geospatial technology in addressing global challenges, with a particular focus on UNGGIM's initiatives and policies.