Prof. David Unwin: Geospatial Origins: Geography Quantitative and GIS

This episode explores the future of geo and cartography, featuring insights from experts Ed Parsons and Rollo Home. Topics include the impact of technology on maps, the role of cartographers, and the challenges of maintaining visual truth in a digital age. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter. Thank you to GeoBusiness for sponsoring this episode. 

Explore the fascinating project of reconstructing Ottoman Empire travel routes using historical maps, geospatial technology, and historical research. Discover how Benjamin Trigona-Harany, winner of the best speaker prize at the February 2026 Geomob Berlin, combined old Ottoman maps, modern routing algorithms, and historical context to create an interactive routing engine that reveals travel times and routes from the 19th century. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter. This episode is made possible by support from our sponsor, GEO Business.

Professor David Unwin reflects on how GIS grew from niche quantitative geography into a major field thanks to advances in computing, data, and education in the 1980s–90s. He highlights his own accidental career path, early teaching innovations, and the rise of online learning. He ends by questioning modern AI’s reliability and stressing the continued importance of good geographic thinking. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter. This episode is proudly brought to you by our sponsor, GEO Business.

Ed speaks with Ben Abelshausen about the progress of Geomob Belgium and the Bike Data Project. They discuss the challenges and successes of organizing events in Belgium, the importance of collecting cycling data to empower cyclists, and the need for better data privacy measures. Ben shares insights into the project's origins, goals, and the necessity for community involvement to create a sustainable and effective data collection system for urban planning. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Discover the fascinating journey of the geospatial industry over the past 25 years through an insightful conversation between Jeremy Morley and Stephen Feldman. They explore technological shifts, industry challenges, community building, and the impact of open source and AI on geospatial data. 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 Keiko Nomura, a research scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, about her software tool, viewtif. The conversation explores Keiko's background in remote sensing, the motivation behind creating the software, its functionalities, and the community's response to its release. Keiko discusses the challenges of visualizing geospatial data and how the tool aims to simplify the process for users. The episode also touches on future developments and the potential for expanding the tool's capabilities based on user feedback 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 discuss vibe coding, building custom tools with AI, WordPress site management, recent OpenCage updates, and highlights from the Feb 25th Geomob Berlin including innovative projects and historical mapping. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

This episode features Rhiannon Price and Bill Greer discussing the innovative Common Space initiative, aimed at democratizing access to high-resolution satellite imagery. They explore the challenges of data access, licensing, and governance in geospatial technology, and how their project seeks to address these issues to benefit humanitarian, environmental, and community efforts. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

This week, Steven and Dennis Bauszus, principal software engineer at Geolytix, discuss the UK’s bid to host FOSS4G 2027 in Bristol and the significant work required to deliver the global open geospatial conference. With their letter of intent submitted and a full proposal due in March, the team must outline detailed plans covering finances, programming, hybrid streaming, accessibility, diversity, and logistics for an 800-person, multi-track event. They emphasize the importance of volunteers, employer support, sponsorship, and travel grants to ensure global participation, as well as a strong code of conduct and inclusive approach. Bristol is positioned as both a strong geospatial hub and an active destination for international attendees, with the event likely planned for July 2027. The episode closes with excitement about promoting the bid at FOSS4G 2026 in Hiroshima and an open call for the community to get involved. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Ed welcomes Jeremy Morley as the new co-host of the Geomob podcast. They discuss Jeremy's extensive background in geospatial sciences, including his academic journey and experiences in remote sensing and Earth observation. The conversation explores the evolution of geospatial technology, the impact of community mapping through OpenStreetMap, and the challenges of data quality. Jeremy shares insights from his time at Ordnance Survey and the importance of connecting with startups through Geovation. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of geospatial technology, particularly in relation to AI. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.