Skip to content
Artwork for Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada
ScienceEarth Sciences

Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada

Esri Canada

Tune in for inspiring stories from thought leaders and GIS users across business, government and education in Canada. Get practical tips for applying geospatial thinking to tackle challenges -- from simple ones encountered in everyday life to the most complex issues our world faces today.

Play
  • 23 episodes
  • Avg 32 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Apr 10, 2025 · 32 min

    A Hub for Change

    How can data and mapping technology drive social change? In this episode of Geographical Thinking, we explore the Community Prosperity Hub, a powerful initiative that brings together nonprofits, policymakers, and residents to tackle community challenges with data-driven solutions. Host Michelle Brake is joined by Sandi MacKinnon, Executive Director of Greater Fredericton Social Innovation, Kate Walsh, Project Coordinator at GFSI, and Rob Lunn, GIS Coordinator for the City of Fredericton. Together, they discuss the origins of the Community Prosperity Hub, the impact of GIS in supporting local decision-making, and how collaboration is shaping a more inclusive and resilient Fredericton. From innovative partnerships to real-world success stories—like how local councillors used GIS data to better understand their wards—this episode highlights the power of maps in fostering meaningful change. Tune in to discover how geography and social innovation come together to build stronger communities.

  • Mar 27, 2025 · 30 min

    Whales or Whitecaps?

    In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake is joined by Dr. Mohamed Ahmed, Lead Data Scientist at Esri Canada, to explore how AI is transforming marine conservation. Fisheries and Oceans Canada collaborated with Esri Canada to train deep learning models to detect beluga whales in Arctic waters using aerial, drone, and satellite imagery. With accuracy rates of 85-88%, these models can analyze thousands of images in hours, a task that previously took months. Mohamed shares insights into the challenges of distinguishing whales from ice, the evolution of the AI models, and what this breakthrough means for the future of marine research. Tune in to discover how technology is helping us better understand Arctic ecosystems and the impact of climate change.

  • Mar 13, 2025 · 24 min

    The Community Map of Canada: Where Stories Meet Data

    The Community Map of Canada is a living, breathing map built by and for Canadians! In this episode, Alex Miller, president and founder of Esri Canada, talks with our Esri colleagues about this collaborative project. Bringing together authoritative data from governments, communities, and organizations across the country to create a detailed and accessible basemap. From urban centers to remote wilderness, the Community Map of Canada reflects the diverse stories of our land. Whether you’re a GIS pro, a community advocate, or just a curious map lover, this episode will inspire you to see Canada in a whole new way!

Showing 21–23 of 23 episodes