Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada

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.