Geomob Berlin and Barcelona summary

In the final episode of the Geomob podcast for 2025, hosts Ed and Steven reflect on the past year, discuss the evolving role of AI in geocoding and data maintenance, and recap recent Geomob events in Berlin and Barcelona. They explore innovations in cycling infrastructure, the importance of citizen science, and the challenges posed by GPS technology. The conversation highlights the advancements in geospatial technology and the exciting future ahead in 2026.Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Merry Christmas! In this festive Geomob podcast, the co-hosts reflect on the past year, celebrating achievements within the geospatial community, discussing highlights from various events, and sharing personal triumphs. They also explore gift ideas for geo enthusiasts and set goals for the podcast in the coming year, emphasizing the importance of emerging voices in the industry and the need for honest conversations about the future of geospatial technology, particularly in relation to AI and sustainability. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

New Geomob host Denise discusses the recently released AGI Foresight Report with Richard Flemmings, CEO of Map Impact. They explore the significance of the report, its findings, and the reflections from the AGI conference. Key themes include the evolution of geospatial technology, the importance of skills development, and the global relevance of the report's insights. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration within the geospatial community and invites listeners to engage with the report's recommendations.Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

The conversation provides a detailed review of the FOSS4G:UK 2025 conference, highlighting its significance as a return to in-person events after a long hiatus. Alastair discusses the organisation, positive feedback, and the engaging talks and workshops that took place. He emphasises the importance of community involvement and the successful logistics of the event, as well as the insights shared by keynote speakers. The conversation concludes with reflections on the OSGeo:UK AGM and potential future FOSS4G:UK events. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Our guest is Dirk Voets, organizer of Geomob Netherlands, which started in 2024. Dirk looks back on the progress since then. We discuss the Dutch geospatial scene generally, and look forward to the upcoming January event (rescheduled from December). The conversation explores the importance of community in the geospatial field, emphasizing the value of sharing experiences and learning from failures. Dirk Voets discusses the role of Geomob in connecting professionals and fostering a supportive environment for growth and collaboration. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

In this episode of the Geomob podcast, Alastair speaks with Freddie Hunter from Forest Research about the innovative mapping of Trees Outside Woodlands across England. They discuss the importance of this data set for ecological monitoring, the methodologies used for data processing, and the various applications of the data in tree planting and carbon assessment. Freddie also shares insights into quality assessment and the plans for future updates to the data. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Ed's guest is Felix Palmer, introducing the A5 discrete global grid system. The conversation explores the intriguing concept of tiling pentagons, revealing that while it may seem impossible, it can be achieved by altering the angles of the vertices. The discussion also delves into the implications of projections from geometric shapes like the icosahedron to the sphere, highlighting how these projections can warp angles yet still maintain surface coverage.Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Alastair hosts this special, listener-suggested episode by introducing the topic of lost ponds: how to find them and why they matter. Darren Tansley of the Essex Wildlife Trust then joins Alastair to discuss the project to map and restore these lost ponds across the UK. They cover the surprising scale of habitat loss, the methodology used by citizen scientists relying on historical and modern maps, and the ecological importance of ponds for species like the Turtle Dove and beneficial insects. The discussion also reflects on the essential work with farm clusters, the role of geospatial data in local nature strategy, and the potential economic benefits that pond restoration could bring to modern agriculture. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.  

Ed and Steven recap the recent GeomobLON event, discussing the turnout, speaker highlights, and the overall atmosphere. They reflect on the challenges of organizing free events, the importance of geospatial data in policy-making, and the diverse range of topics covered by speakers. The conversation also touches on upcoming events in various cities and the need for community engagement. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.    

In this episode of the podcast, host Steven welcomes back James Cheshire, a professor of geographic information and cartography at UCL, to discuss his latest book, 'The Library of Lost Maps.' The conversation explores the evolution of cartography, the significance of thematic maps, and the historical context of mapping practices. Cheshire shares insights into the stories behind various maps and mapmakers, including George Greenough and the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, while also addressing the darker uses of maps in shaping ideologies during the rise of fascism. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.