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WALKING THE PATH NEWSLETTER

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CELEBRATING OUR MAPPING ROOTS

Pathfinders reflects on its origins in the geospatial community, celebrating contributors’ inspiring stories while spotlighting their impact and unveiling new initiatives for 2025 expansion.

January 15, 2025

As Pathfinders begins an exciting new chapter in 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on our origins and express heartfelt gratitude to the community that inspired this journey: the geospatial professionals who shape the world we live in. Pathfinders was born from a vision to amplify stories of everyday heroes, and it all started with the Geospatial community. Their passion for data, innovation, and impact laid the foundation for everything we’ve built.


A Community That Mapped the Future


From mapping river systems as a child to working with Esri and municipal leaders, my (Jeff Lamb’s) journey has always been tied to geospatial innovation. This community has taught me the value of asking the right questions, fostering collaboration, and finding purpose in data for good.


It was within this vibrant ecosystem of GIS professionals, planners, and innovators that Pathfinders was tested, refined, and brought to life. The Geospatial community gave us a platform to spotlight their work, and their stories have inspired a broader vision to expand into other fields.


Spotlight: BeSpatial Ontario


One of our greatest partnerships has been with BeSpatial Ontario. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in helping Pathfinders grow. Through our collaboration, we’ve highlighted the passion and purpose that drive geospatial professionals in their pursuit of sustainable, innovative solutions.


As we look back at the incredible guests who’ve shared their stories, from municipal leaders to GIS trailblazers, one thing is clear: the Geospatial community embodies the PATH values we hold dear—Passion, Action, Tenacity, and Humility.


A Retrospective: Celebrating Contributors


Pathfinders has been privileged to spotlight the incredible contributions of so many geospatial professionals. Here are just a few of the remarkable individuals whose stories have inspired us:

  1. Paul Giroux: Elevating decision-making through GIS maturity models. Watch now | Follow online

  2. Matt Pietryszyn: Championing open data to foster trust and innovation. Watch now | Follow online

  3. Joann Fox: Leveraging location intelligence for smarter communities. Watch now | Follow online

  4. Linda Wilson: Transforming organizations with GIS-driven open data. Watch now | Follow online

  5. Adam Carnow: Inspiring geospatial innovation through leadership and strategy. Watch now | Follow online

  6. Matt Lewin: Connecting people, processes, and tech to unlock value. Watch now | Follow online

  7. Andrew Burton: Promoting open data as a government philosophy. Watch now | Follow online

  8. Trisha Brush: Using GIS storytelling to foster collaboration and growth. Watch now | Follow online

  9. Eric Abrams: Highlighting GIS as a transformative data powerhouse. Watch now | Follow online

  10. Dianne Haley: Developing champions and building GIS community resilience. Watch now | Follow online

  11. David Moss: Advocating for career ownership and mentorship in GIS. Watch now | Follow online

  12. John Nolte: Bridging data and actionable insights through GIS. Watch now | Follow online

  13. Todd Lewis: Driving smarter decisions with systems-thinking in GIS. Watch now | Follow online

  14. Matt Forrest: Innovating with GIS for environmental sustainability. Watch now | Follow online

  15. Julie Spangler: Harnessing GIS for visual storytelling and empathy. Watch now | Follow online

  16. Izabela Miller: Enabling impactful GIS use with accessible solutions. Watch now | Follow online

  17. Gary Maguire: Empowering teams with empathy and GIS leadership. Watch now | Follow online

  18. Susan Muleme Kasumba: Reducing costs and improving municipal efficiency with GIS. Watch now | Follow online

  19. Wendy Baldin: Championing collaboration and teamwork in GIS. Watch now | Follow online

  20. Geoff Peat: Promoting actionable insights with geospatial data. Watch now | Follow online

  21. James Pardue: Solving problems with innovative GIS applications. Watch now | Follow online

  22. Chris North: Using geography for transformative decision-making. Watch now | Follow online

  23. Kendrick O. Faison: Telling impactful stories with GIS data. Watch now | Follow online

  24. Charles Altendorf: Transforming raw data into meaningful GIS insights. Watch now | Follow online

  25. Will Cadell: Connecting the world with geospatial technology. Watch now | Follow online

  26. François Laganière: Balancing tech and people for GIS success. Watch now | Follow online

  27. Karen Stewart: Shaping smart cities with GIS systems. Watch now | Follow online

  28. Nikolas Smilovsky: Advancing geospatial innovation and analytics. Watch now | Follow online

  29. James Burn: Bringing communities together with geospatial solutions. Watch now | Follow online

  30. Linda Stephens: Combining geographic thinking with data-driven decisions. Watch now | Follow online

  31. Peter Hettstedt: Solving global challenges with GIS collaboration. Watch now | Follow online

  32. Arif K. Rafiq: Improving transportation safety with GIS insights. Watch now | Follow online

  33. Greg Babinski: Advocating for GIS-driven decision-making. Watch now | Follow online

  34. Shawn Morgan: Focusing on people-first solutions in GIS. Watch now | Follow online

  35. Frederic Blouin-Michaud: Strengthening GIS communities with collaboration. Watch now | Follow online

  36. Duncan R & Peter V: Enhancing teamwork for GIS innovation. Watch now | Follow online

  37. Ryan Garnett: Advancing transportation through geospatial intelligence. Watch now | Follow online

  38. Aimee (Max) Whitcroft: Driving data-driven insights and GIS strategies. Watch now | Follow online.

  39. Ron Cook: Focusing on people-centric geospatial solutions. Watch now | Follow online.

  40. Frederic Blouin-Michaud: Building stronger communities through GIS innovation. Watch now | Follow online.

  41. Brendan Walashek: Elevating geospatial applications for transformative change. Watch now | Follow online.

  42. Joseph Kerski: Bridging education and GIS for future leaders. Watch now | Follow online.

  43. Tim Nolan: Innovating public services through GIS excellence. Watch now | Follow online.

  44. James Britton: Advancing geospatial thinking through innovative applications. Watch now | Follow online.

  45. Shannon Foxx Day: Empowering data accessibility through modern GIS solutions. Watch now | Follow online.

  46. Valrie Grant: Championing geospatial strategies for inclusive growth. Watch now | Follow online.


Looking Ahead


While our roots remain firmly planted in the Geospatial community, 2025 marks a bold step forward. Pathfinders is launching new verticals, beginning with initiatives for Urban Planning and Data for Good. These new paths honor our commitment to amplifying stories of impact across industries, always inspired by the Geospatial community's example.


Thank You for Being Part of the Journey


As we expand, we’re committed to celebrating the legacy of those who paved the way. Thank you for being part of our story and for inspiring us to explore new frontiers.


We’d love to hear from you! Who are the everyday heroes we should spotlight next? What challenges and opportunities do you see in 2025? Together, let’s map a future full of purpose, action, and hope.


Jeff Lamb Founder, Pathfinder Exploration Community

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