Getting Technical: Winter 2026 GIS Update

Local governments are under increasing pressure to deliver faster, more transparent services while meeting the growingexpectations of residents. But what if the answer isn't a new system, but a better way to use technology already in place?In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake is joined by Brian McPhail and Paul Lefaive from the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville to explore the story behind Service Stouffville, an award-winning service request platform built using ArcGIS Online. Together, they discuss how the municipality transformed the way residents report issues, track requests and interact with local government while improving efficiency across municipal departments.Whether you're a GIS professional, municipal leader or public sector innovator, this episode showcases how GIS can evolve from a mapping tool into a foundation for better service delivery.

Open data is often associated with transparency, but its impact can go far beyond simply making information available. When paired with GIS, it can help residents better understand their community and build stronger connections with the places they call home.  In this episode of the Geographical Thinking podcast, host Michelle Brake is joined by Sydney St. Onge from the Town of Cochrane, Alberta, to explore how the municipality is using ArcGIS Hub to make maps, data and community information more accessible to residents. From supporting growth and development conversations to encouraging self-service access to geographic information, Cochrane is creating new opportunities for knowledge sharing. Whether you're a GIS professional, municipal leader, planner or community advocate, this conversation offers insights into how location technology can help turn information into understanding and strengthen connections between municipalities and the people they serve. 

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.