GIS Directions Podcast

Leverage location in your everyday workflows

In this episode, Simon, Ta and Josh reveal how even non-GIS users can unlock spatial superpowers in the Microsoft suite, bringing rows and columns to life with dynamic visualisations.

Think geo-tagged documents, location-enabled lists and interactive maps for immersive reporting.

A guide to publishing content with confidence

GIS guru Simon Jackson joins Ta and Josh to explore the art of sharing intuitive, targeted mapping products with the web GIS world.

Rather than hitting 'publish' and hoping for the best, follow Simon's three simple steps to improve data management, maintain security and accelerate delivery to end-users.

The top four must-have models

Wayne, Josh and Ta talk about Esri's growing collection of 'pre-trained' packages for deep learning - available now in ArcGIS. From building footprint detection to point cloud classification and everything in between, there is something for everyone.

The team share their must-have Machine Learning models along with simple tips for getting started, where to access useful resources, and the proven pathway to deep learning mastery.

Fresh capabilities for smarter web maps

A new version of Map Viewer has launched to the world… and while the old ‘classic’ is still available, the new kid on the block is loaded with clever capabilities that will take your web maps to the next level.

Wayne, Ta and Josh take you on a tour of their favourite features including flexibility in formatting, clearer clustering, accessibility for all audiences, adaptable styles to match your mood and customisable labels that integrate seamlessly into your maps.

The Esri UC roundup

From Site Scan and SDKs for Unreal Engine to ArcGIS Image and Instant Apps, in this episode, Wayne, Ta and Josh share their greatest hits from this year's Esri UC.

With a jam-packed playlist of fresh end-to-end integrations, analysis-ready additions to the Living Atlas, revolutionised imagery management tools and photo-realistic 3D data, you'll be set to start today with the latest geospatial tech.

Incorporate an extraterrestrial element in your maps and apps

Over 60 years, NASA astronauts have captured more than four million photographs of Earth from the International Space Station.

Join Wayne and Rylea as they explore applications of this unique, publicly available dataset with Laura Pheobus, an Earth Scientist and Geospatial Analyst contracted to NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Plus, find out how astronaut photography helps track the health of our planet and provides a real-world, real-time view of disaster events.

Where spatial analysis meets data science

It’s long been believed that Python is solely the domain of developers. But as Wayne, Josh and Ta reveal, there’s a wealth of resources available for anyone to take their coding skills to the next level.

Whether you’re a humble GIS user or an old hand at hacking, with ArcGIS Notebooks, you can automate data collection, adjust on-the-fly and easily share between projects – no rebuilding of workflows required.

Unpacking the ArcGIS data engineering toolbox

The essential – albeit tedious – task of data cleaning is estimated to consume more than 80% of a GIS analyst’s day. Take the time back to focus on the analysis you love, with Wayne, Josh and Ta’s top tips for constructing, formatting and integrating raw GIS data – in record time. Plus, learn how to develop automated and repeatable workflows for taking your data to the next level with temporal and elevation attributes for 2D, 3D and 4D analysis.

The migration mythbusters you need to know

For diehard desktop users, the debate about when to migrate from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro is heating up. In this episode, Wayne, Josh and Ta dive in and dispel common myths about making the move and give their top reasons why you may want to fast-track the transition.

The team come armed with a treasure trove of new resources that ensure when you decide to take the plunge – your migration journey will run smoothly.

Greek captains, K8s and containerisation

Kubernetes can be a difficult concept to grasp – it might get IT architects excited, but why should it matter to end-users of GIS?

Ta is back on-board to help you navigate this wonderful world of cloud-native computing and containerised applications.

With Wayne and Josh at the helm, learn why the launch of ArcGIS on Kubernetes promises enhanced scaling of services, streamlined installation and updates with minimal downtime, and increased visibility on how your ArcGIS Enterprise system is running.

Landscape detection with millimetre accuracy

NASA’s Jeremy Kirkendall is back with top tips for incorporating SAR data into your projects and analysis. Join Wayne and Rylea as they crack open NASA's ArcGIS toolbox and help you take the first step to measuring changes in landscape – whether urban, ocean or vegetation – with millimetre vertical accuracy. Plus, discover new ways of using SAR data to detect, track and mitigate the impact of natural disasters.

Wayne Lee-Archer goes toe-to-toe with one of Australia’s most respected journalists – Stan Grant – to test his GIS literacy. 

Wayne gets the lowdown on Stan’s new podcast series – “Directions with Stan Grant” – and discovers more about the extraordinary cast featured in this first-of-its kind program.

Speaking of his encounters with the who’s who of applied GIS, Grant shares the surprise learnings from discussions with a NASA pioneer, US presidential candidate, and United Nations advisor. He reveals more of the unexpected shift in his fireside chats, where he challenges his guests to weigh-in on topics way-out of their comfort zones; and in the process finds out what makes them tick.

Tune-in to hear more about Directions with Stan Grant.

Wayne gives his take on a new podcast that explores the geography of crime and how GIS technology can shed light on Australian cold cases. 

Inside the world's most complex logistical challenge

Wayne and Josh take on the topic of Australia's vaccine rollout with the help of Esri UK's healthcare specialist Jonny King. Jonny shares the top lessons learned from the UK and provides practical tips for how Australians can use GIS to tackle the challenge ahead – from pinpointing priority populations to building community support.

Attention spans are measured in milliseconds - so make sure your maps and apps meet the need for speed with Wayne, Josh and Rylea’s best practice tips. Learn how to serve up zippy map layers, troubleshoot common performance issues, and deliver optimised solutions across the ArcGIS platform.

Earth observations are a veritable treasure trove for ArcGIS users - so dig into the data gold mine with Wayne, Rylea and Senior GIS Administrator for NASA's Disaster Program, Jeremy Kirkendall. You'll learn how to tap into a free stream of near real-time, observational data on thermal hotspots, bushfires, cyclones, flooding, landslides and more. Jeremy also lifts the curtain on what it's like to work at NASA and shares insight into how GIS supports space activities - from rocket launches to astronaut food delivery.

In this episode, Esri’s Global Director of AI Omar Maher cracks open his playbook, giving Wayne and Josh some practical advice for introducing Machine Learning to established workflows. From kicking off with an agile approach, to saving time with pre-trained AI models – these are the need-to-know tips from a Machine Learning master.

Navigate the world of Web GIS with the latest two-minute tips from Wayne, Josh and Rylea. Uncover little-known ways to serve up snappy map layers, effortlessly craft modern web interfaces and jumpstart your work with ready-to-use industry solutions. Plus the team shares how you can tap into the Esri GitHub community to solve any spatial problem.

Join Wayne Lee-Archer and Rylea McGlusky as they explore the idea of 'rebranding GIS' with Esri's Community Evangelist Adam Carnow. Carnow presents a fresh and entertaining perspective that will leave you thinking.

It's the word on everyone's lips, but for many, Machine Learning is still a greenfield waiting to be explored. Join Josh, Wayne and Esri's Global Director of Artificial Intelligence Omar Maher to discover how to incorporate ML into your everyday GIS.

Calling all desktop junkies! Join Wayne, Josh and Rylea as they share their latest tips for getting the most out of ArcGIS Desktop. Learn how to speed up slow systems, set up smart automated workflows and discover new extensions that will make your software fire on all cylinders.

Is the rise of the machines coming? Join Wayne and Josh as they meet OZ Minerals' Exploration Futurist Andrew McCulloch to unearth how GIS can support innovation. From using voxel-powered models to predict the future, to debating the viability of new inventions like robotic drill rigs and burrowing drones - Andrew dishes out some big ideas on what's next for GIS. You'll also hear his must-haves for fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation in your organisation.

How can you navigate the complex terrain of open standards, open data and open development? Join Ta, Josh and special guest Yvette Bevis as they explore how to get your tech systems talking. The team debunks some common misconceptions surrounding OGC and provides pointers to anyone looking to get the most out of their Esri enterprise in a multi-vendor environment.

From voxels to Esri’s schmick new Map Viewer, take an inside look at the coolest toys released at the world’s biggest GIS event. Join Wayne, Josh and Rylea as they talk top tech takeaways.

How can you dramatically increase the adoption of GIS apps and maps? In this episode, Ta and Josh explore user experience design with the country's leading UX in GIS authority Shannon Stavrou. Learn why UX design is more than just a lick of paint and discover Shannon's top tips for improving the legibility, information hierarchy and design of spatial applications.

Ta, Wayne and Esri's John Nelson explore how mid-century mapping masters – like Eduard Imhof and Erwin Raisz – are inspiring a new generation of modern web apps. The team discuss how map projections underpin cartographic truth-telling and discover novel ways to display data with the Equal Earth and the Spilhaus projections.

You’ve seen it in movies like Ironman, Jason Bourne and the Matrix – the neon glow of critical data on a black screen. The style inspired John Nelson to create “Firefly” or “glow map” cartography – which has now achieved a cult-like status. In this episode, Ta and Wayne explore the origins of the Firefly style with John, who shares advice on how to use glow maps to make data pop, plus his insider tips for creating maps with style.

Whether you rely on maps to understand the scale of a natural disaster or to avoid illegally crossing a country border – maps can be vital information sources for millions. So what happens when the map is misleading? In this episode, Ta, Wayne and Josh give you the lowdown on common #cartofails and map misfires. You’ll discover how to maintain map integrity – from critically evaluating the map data source, to crafting beautiful maps with Wayne’s hot design tips.

Ta, Wayne and Josh explore the question of whether GPS still cuts it as a source for proving location – or if Blockchain and IoT have permanently shifted the goal posts. Learn how geomining is underpinning new methods for establishing authentic location and discover what’s myth and what’s fact in the world of Blockchain.