Theme IV : The Geospatial Profession, Leadership & Expertise
People, capability and purpose beyond technology
Having spent much of my professional life working within the geospatial industry, I’ve often found myself reflecting on who we are, what we do and, perhaps more importantly, why we do it. As a profession, we have an extraordinary depth of knowledge, expertise and capability, yet I sometimes wonder whether we do enough to communicate the real value of what we bring to the organisations and communities we serve.
I’ve never believed that our worth should be defined by the software we use, the systems we build or the technology we deploy. It is our ability to understand problems, apply geographic thinking and deliver meaningful outcomes that truly sets us apart. The articles in this collection reflect my observations, occasional frustrations and strongly held beliefs about the evolving identity of GIS, the importance of professional expertise and leadership, and the need to focus less on the tools of our trade and more on the difference we make. After all, it’s the mechanic that matters, not the toolbox!
