Geomob

In this episode of the Geomob podcast, Akash Wadhwani, a data visualization specialist, shares his innovative projects transforming London's maps into interactive art and storytelling tools. Discover how he combines AI, traditional mapping, and storytelling to create immersive experiences and inspire new ways to explore cities. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Andrew Nisbet shares insights into the world of geospatial elevation data, its applications, data sources, licensing, and the journey of building gpxz.io, a global elevation API.

In this episode, Ian Muehlenhaus revisits the concept of disputation to explore the impact of AI on cartography, mapmaking, and the future of geographic visualization. Steven and Ian discuss the history of disputations, the evolution of mapmaking, and the ethical considerations of AI-generated maps. 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 Geomob swag, the upcoming London event, the return of the Mappery map, Steven's appearance on Hacker News, possibilities for the OpenCage team event, and much more. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Alastair Graham and Ed Freyfogle sit down to discuss the challenge of securing sponsorship for geospatial and open-source events. Sponsors help keep ticket prices affordable, but organizers often rely on the same companies repeatedly and need to offer clearer, more distinctive benefits. They suggest longer-term and more creative sponsorship strategies, while encouraging larger companies that benefit from geospatial technology to give back through sponsorship, volunteering, and community support. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Today Jeremy speaks with Professor Mike Batty about his extensive journey through the evolution of geospatial science, city modeling, and the impact of digital transformation on planning. Discover insights from his early career in urban design to his leadership in geospatial research and practical applications in city planning. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Steven hosts Tom Armitage and Aires Loutsaris to discuss Reading Maps, a fascinating project that visualizes journeys and places from books and movies on real maps. They explore the inspiration, technical background, and potential applications of this innovative visualization tool. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Dennis Luxen joins the show to discuss the history, technical and community-driven development of OSRM (Open Source Routing Machine), an open-source routing engine based on OpenStreetMap. We chat about the state of OSM-based routing generally and OSRM specifically. Dennis, who will be speaking about the project at the upcoming State of the Map in Paris, shares insights on data quality, competition, and future plans for improving the routing service. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Jeremy hosts Peter Batty to explore the transformative journey of geospatial systems from the 1980s desktop GIS, through the rise of open source and cloud-based mapping, to the cutting-edge applications of AI in geospatial analysis. Discover how industry pioneers navigated technological shifts, market challenges, and innovations that continue to shape the industry today. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Timbo Drayson, CEO of OkHi, discusses innovative solutions to address the lack of formal physical addresses in Africa and emerging markets. He explains how their technology maps people, not places, to improve access to services, reduce fraud, and enable financial inclusion. 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 give us a summer update and discuss the recent Geomob Berlin and their recent projects. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Ed sits down with Lukas Martinelli, founder and CEO of Reprompt and former Mapbox engineer, to discuss the future of geospatial data and AI. Lukas shares his journey from building large scale mapping technology to launching Reprompt, a company rethinking how points of interest (POI) data is collected and maintained. They explore why traditional approaches, from manual surveys to crowdsourcing and collaborative datasets like Overture and OpenStreetMap, are not enough, how Reprompt addresses challenges such as data quality and deduplication, and what excites Lukas most about the next wave of geospatial innovation. They also talk about his move from Europe to Silicon Valley and why he believes now is the right time to build a geospatial startup. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Jeremy Morley interviews Professor David Martin about how the UK census evolved from paper maps and manually drawn boundaries to a fully digital, GIS-based system. Martin describes his role in developing Output Areas, the small statistical geographies introduced for the 2001 Census that became the foundation for many government datasets, including deprivation indices and neighbourhood statistics. The conversation also examines the impact of online data collection, the challenges posed by COVID-19 during the 2021 Census, and the future of census-taking. Martin concludes that while administrative data can supplement population statistics, a national census remains essential for collecting social and household information that routine government records cannot provide. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Aba Osunsade, Ecosystem Lead at Geovation, discusses how Geovation helps startups and innovators unlock the value of location data through accelerator programs, community events, and expert support. She highlights the free Ecosystem Explorer membership, which provides access to Geovation's London hub, networking opportunities, and resources for entrepreneurs. The interview also explores the growing role of geospatial data in areas such as climate, transport, and privacy, emphasizing the need for responsible innovation. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

In this Geomob podcast episode, Daveron Smith from Natural England discusses the importance of beavers as “ecosystem engineers” that create wetlands, reduce flood risk, improve water quality, boost biodiversity, and increase resilience to climate change. He also introduces the Beaver Consideration Assessment Toolkit (BCAT), a public tool developed by Natural England and the Environment Agency to assess the suitability and potential impacts of beaver reintroductions. The toolkit combines multiple models to support decision-making and identify areas where beaver activity may bring benefits or require monitoring. While BCAT is designed for national use, Smith notes that its outputs rely on modeled data and should be used alongside local knowledge. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter. This episode of the Geomob podcast is sponsored by the Open Geospatial Consortium.

In this episode, Ed talks with Bernie Conners about the inaugural Geomob Fredericton. They explore Bernie's journey into the geospatial community, recap the talks from the event, and discuss the challenges and rewards of organizing a first-time Geomob. Interested in hosting a Geomob in your city? Reach out to us at geomob at opencagedata dot com — we'd be happy to help you get started. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter. This episode of the Geomob podcast is sponsored by the Open Geospatial Consortium. 

Ed and Steven discuss the recent Geomob London and the first-ever Geomob Dublin, as well as the upcoming Geomob Berlin on 18 June 2026 and an OpenCage blog post about geosearch improvements. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter. This episode of the Geomob podcast is sponsored by the Open Geospatial Consortium. Thank you!

This podcast discusses how AI is rapidly transforming cartography. Cartographers Ken Field and Ian Muehlenhaus describe their “Map-a-Day with AI” project, where they use AI tools to create maps quickly and explore AI's strengths and limitations. They argue that AI is automating much of the technical work of mapmaking, shifting human roles toward directing, prompting, and quality-checking maps rather than manually creating them. Despite concerns about accuracy, jobs, and misinformation, they see AI as a major technological shift that mapmakers must adapt to rather than ignore. 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, Open Geospatial Consortium.

Denise is joined by Elena Field to discuss her journey from geology to leading geospatial efforts at the British Antarctic Survey. Discover her work in Antarctica, the role of geospatial data in polar research, and her volunteer efforts with MapAction in humanitarian crises.

In this episode, ecologist Tom Foxley explores how innovative spatial modeling techniques are transforming bat conservation in the UK. Using GPS and acoustic data, researchers can better understand bat movement patterns, identify critical habitats, and support more effective conservation strategies. The conversation highlights the growing intersection of ecology, technology, and policy, showing how these tools are shaping smarter development planning that balances environmental protection with human needs. Discover how cutting-edge wildlife monitoring is helping protect biodiversity and offering new insights into the hidden lives of bats. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Christian Rouffaert, CEO of Teragence, discusses innovative geospatial solutions for mapping invisible mobile network coverage, indoor signal analysis, and expanding into the US market. Learn how data-driven insights and user-friendly visualization are transforming telecom and geospatial industries. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Join Ed and Steven as they discuss recent geospatial events in Cologne and Berlin, exploring topics like geocoding, routing engines, and community building in the geospatial sector. Discover insights into organizing successful meetups, challenges of venue sourcing, and upcoming events in the geo community. 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 GEO Business for sponoring this episode of the Geomon podcast. 

Annie Reardon-Smith, the event manager for GEO Business, shares insights about the upcoming UK's largest geospatial event in London on June 3-4. Discover the event's highlights, target audience, new features, and how to maximize your experience. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

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.

In this episode of the GeoMob podcast, Dr. Katy Whitaker discusses the role of aerial imagery in archaeology, and in particular the work of Historic England. With over six million aerial photographs in their archive, Historic England utilizes aerial surveys to map archaeological features across the UK. The conversation covers the importance of maintaining these archives, the challenges of accuracy in aerial photography, and the innovative tools like the Aerial Photo Explorer that make this data accessible to the public. Additionally, the impact of climate change on archaeological sites and the need for informed decision-making in heritage preservation are highlighted. 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 the recent Geomob London event, highlighting its success and the packed attendance. They delve into the various talks presented, focusing on themes such as the challenges and innovations in the geospatial industry, the importance of leadership skills, and the need for new technologies to manage the increasing volume of data. The conversation also touches on community engagement through projects and the recognition of emerging talent in the field. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Ed interviews Anton Wenemoser about CoMaps, an open-source mapping application. Anton shares the journey of CoMaps, its split from Organic Maps, and its focus on user-friendly, offline mapping using OpenStreetMap data. They discuss the challenges and goals of CoMaps, including its community-driven approach and the importance of critical mass for OpenStreetMap contributions. 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, Khalid, the Chief Scientist at Sensat, discusses the evolution of the company from a data-collection organisation to a software company focused on creating visual digital twins for the infrastructure industry. He explains the concept of digital twins, the role of Sensat Labs in fostering innovation, and the challenges of technology adoption in the industry. Khalid also shares insights on the skills needed for success at Sensat, emphasising the importance of curiosity and adaptability in a rapidly changing technological landscape. 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 the intersection of AI and mapping, exploring how AI tools can assist in creating various types of maps, including political atlases and maps of social issues like inequality and gun crime. They reflect on the challenges and successes of using AI for coding and data processing, the importance of documentation, and the evolving landscape of open-source software in the age of AI. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Steven interviews Bojan Šavrič, a senior software development engineer at Esri, who specializes in map projections. They discuss the complexities of map projections, the importance of selecting the right one based on the map's purpose, and delve into the Equal Earth projection, which aims to provide a more accurate representation of the world. The conversation also touches on the campaign 'Correct the Map' initiated by the African Union, advocating for the use of the Equal Earth projection to better represent Africa on world maps. Bojan shares insights into the future of projections and ongoing projects at Esri, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of projections in the field of cartography. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

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.  

In this episode of the Geomob podcast, Steven speaks with James Norris, the head of International Affairs at Ordnance Survey, about the evolving role of national mapping agencies in a digital world. They discuss the significance of the Cambridge Conference, the changing landscape of geospatial data, the importance of trust in mapping, and the impact of technology on the future of mapping. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration, innovation, and a focus on people in the geospatial field. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

In this special episode of the Geomob podcast, Steven introduces the newest host for Geomob, Denise McKenzie and then hands over the hosting duties. Denise shares her journey in the geospatial sector. Then the conversation explores the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry, reflections on the podcast's evolution over 300 episodes, and the significance of having women represented in geospatial discussions. Steven offers advice for aspiring podcasters, emphasizing the importance of partnership and simplicity. The episode concludes with aspirations for future guests and the desire to inspire listeners with impactful stories from the geospatial community. Show notes on the Geomob website, where you can also learn more about Geomob events and sign up for our monthly newsletter.