Advertise on podcast: Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada

The Esri Canada User Conference is back in 2026, and it takes a lot more than maps to bring it to life. In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake is joined by Mike Gregotski and Mary Jane Maher from the Esri Canada User Conference planning team for a behind-the-scenes look at Canada's premier GIS event. From shaping the agenda and coordinating speakers to creating networking opportunities and managing event logistics, they share what it takes to bring thousands of GIS professionals together under one roof. Get a preview of what's new for 2026, including Spotlight sessions, emerging topics like AI and digital twins, expanded networking opportunities and keynote speakers. Whether you're attending for the first time or returning for another year, this episode offers you a backstage pass to the people, planning and community connections that make the Esri Canada User Conference a must-attend event for Canada's geospatial community.

What separates a quick fix from hours of frustration? Often, it's the way you approach the problem. In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake sits down with Esri Canada Customer Support consultants Sara Pancheri and Lorraine Hamel to explore how experienced support professionals diagnose issues, identify patterns and guide customers toward solutions.   Whether you’re trying to decipher cryptic error messages or collect the right troubleshooting information, you’ll benefit from Sara and Lorraine’s practical advice and learn how to work through challenges more efficiently. Along the way, Michelle’s guests offer a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when a support case lands on their desks and what makes a support request truly effective.   Whether you're working with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise, this conversation is packed with actionable tips, troubleshooting best practices, and expert insights to help you get the most out of your GIS technology.

On the Summer 2026 episode of Getting Technical, Esri Canada’s experts explore the latest innovations across the ArcGIS ecosystem.     Jarrett Totton kicks things off with a look at ArcGIS Enterprise 12.1, highlighting new capabilities like ArcGIS Data Pipeline and enhanced observability.    Next, Céline Doré joins the conversation to discuss ArcGIS Pro 3.7, including the new Analyze Map pane for identifying performance issues, along with layout, editing and licensing enhancements designed to make GIS workflows more efficient and flexible.    Finally, Maggie Samson rounds out the episode with a tour of the latest ArcGIS Online updates, covering improvements to ArcGIS Experience Builder, ArcGIS Dashboards and content management as well as new administrative tools that help organizations manage resources more effectively.    Whether you're a GIS administrator, analyst or developer, this episode of Geographical Thinking will help you stay up to date on the newest ArcGIS capabilities.

Behind every map is a story, and behind every story is a responsibility to understand and protect the landscapes that sustain us. In this episode of Geographical Thinking, Michelle Brake is joined by Dave Blaine from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) to explore the Indigenous Community Atlas Project and the broader Indigenous Community Atlas Project. Together, they unpack how science, community knowledge, and storytelling come together to turn environmental data into meaningful guidance for land‑use planning and decision‑making. From engaging maps that resonate beyond technical audiences to stories that help balance development and conservation, this conversation highlights why how we present data matters just as much as the data itself. Whether you’re a planner, researcher, GIS professional, or simply curious about how maps can drive better outcomes, this episode offers inspiration and practical insight into turning information into action.

In this seasonal edition of Getting Technical, we explore how AI is shaping the future of ArcGIS. Hawjin Falahatkar kicks things off with an overview of AI across the ArcGIS ecosystem, breaking down GeoAI, AI assistants, and agentic AI, while also examining the role of security, trust, and Esri’s Trusted AI framework. Then, Ben Mannell joins the conversation to share a developer’s perspective on AI in ArcGIS. He looks at how AI is influencing app design and development, what’s new in ArcGIS developer technology, and how emerging tools and SDKs are helping build the next generation of spatial applications. Whether you’re an analyst, developer, or GIS professional curious about where AI is headed, this episode will help you stay informed, think critically, and work smarter with ArcGIS.

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.

In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake dives into the inspiring story of Ontario Nature’s Youth Council and their growing impact in the world of conservation. Hear from council members and the Ontario Nature staff that support them, as they share how they’re using digital tools, like ArcGIS StoryMaps and Canva, to raise awareness about wetland loss across Ontario. From leading community events to developing social media campaigns, these young changemakers are proving that passion, creativity, and a little geospatial know-how can make a big difference. Whether you're a student, educator, or nature enthusiast, this episode is full of ideas on how youth can lead the way in environmental advocacy, armed with maps, messages, and mission-driven digital content.

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.