Spatial Stack with Matt Forrest

If you’re working with spatial data, AI workflows, or massive batch jobs, you’ve probably hacked together more than a few pipelines. But what if there’s a better way?In this episode, I sit down with Kenten Danas, Senior Manager of Developer Relations at ‪@Astronomer‬ to explore how Apache Airflow powers the modern data stack including real-world geospatial and climate risk modeling pipelines.We cover:What Airflow actually is (and why it’s everywhere)How it’s used in geospatial pipelines, AI, and LLM workflowsNew features in Airflow 3.0 like assets, remote execution, and backfillsWhy orchestration is the key to scalable spatial data processingTools like the Airflow AI SDK that make LLM pipelines easier to manageLinks from the show:Astronomer Academy (with courses + certifications): https://academy.astronomer.io/Astronomer Webinars: https://www.astronomer.io/events/webi...Astro CLI (for running Airflow locally): https://www.astronomer.io/docs/astro/...Free trial of Astro: https://www.astronomer.io/lp/signup/Airflow AI SDK (open source Python SDK for working with LLMs from Airflow): https://github.com/astronomer/airflow...Vibrant Planet Geospatial + ML Airflow use case: https://www.astronomer.io/blog/airflo...Whether you're building spatial features for machine learning or just want a more reliable way to manage your data workflows this is the episode for you.

In this discussion, Kyle Satterfield, a GISP with a wealth of experience in launching GIS programs, shares insights from a lively LinkedIn debate on Esri versus open-source solutions. He highlights the complexities of choosing the right tools, balancing IT needs with GIS user preferences. Listener-friendly designs versus sophisticated features emerge as key themes. Kyle recounts challenges faced in local government GIS implementation and emphasizes the benefits of established platforms. This conversation transcends the usual arguments, offering real-world perspectives on navigating the GIS landscape.

📩 Get every update from my newsletter ➡️ https://forrest.nyc ⬅️💨 Sign up for the Spatial Lab Community ➡️ https://forrest.nyc/spatial-lab ⬅️Why is geospatial data still stuck in its own world — and what will it take to finally integrate it with the rest of the data ecosystem?In this episode, I talk with Javier de la Torre, founder of Carto and one of the original architects of modern spatial analytics. We explore the history of GIS as a siloed discipline, the cost that isolation has had on the industry (and professionals), and how open formats like GeoParquet are finally changing the game.Javier shares his journey from biodiversity research to building Carto, insights from working with major cloud platforms, and the behind-the-scenes story of how geospatial data became a first-class citizen in the analytics world.If you've ever wrestled with incompatible file formats, siloed teams, or the slow pace of innovation in GIS — this conversation will feel like a breath of fresh air.We cover:Why GIS has been isolated for decadesThe hidden costs of geospatial silosHow GeoParquet was born — and what it changesWhat it means to make spatial data “just a join away”The future of cloud-native geospatialSubscribe for more conversations at the intersection of spatial, data, and innovation.

Dr. Nadine Alameh, a leading voice in geospatial and AI with experience at NASA and the UN, dives into the complexities of mapping equity. She discusses how AI models can fail without local insights, revealing the tension between global institutions and grassroots efforts. Alameh emphasizes the significance of open tools and inclusive standards, challenging traditional notions of 'ground truth'. This enlightening conversation reshapes our understanding of data's role in power dynamics and the urgent need for equitable Earth intelligence.

📩 Get every update from my newsletter ➡️ https://forrest.nyc ⬅️💨 Sign up for the Spatial Lab Community ➡️ https://forrest.nyc/spatial-lab ⬅️What if the future of AI depends on understanding where, not just what? In this episode, I’m joined by Justus Killian, partner at Space Capital, one of the only VC firms focused entirely on geospatial and space-based tech. We dive into why geospatial data is no longer niche, how satellites became billion-dollar businesses, and why the next wave of AI breakthroughs could come from those who understand location. We also unpack the evolving venture landscape, the rise of geo-embeddings, and how spatial data is finally moving beyond the map into real-time decision-making.Whether you're building LLMs, funding the next Planet Labs, or just curious about how Earth is being mapped in ways you’ve never seen, this one's for you.

📩 Get every update from my newsletter ➡️ https://forrest.nyc ⬅️💨 Sign up for the Modern GIS Accelerator ➡️ https://forrest.nyc/accelerator ⬅️In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest challenges holding back GIS professionals today: the technician trap. Sparked by a real-world job posting from one of the world’s richest tech companies—offering just $20–$22 an hour for a GIS contract role—we explore what this means for the broader industry.Why are highly skilled spatial professionals being underpaid, and what separates a $45K contractor from a $300K geospatial data engineer? The answer lies in how you position yourself—and whether your work is seen as project-based execution or strategic value creation.We’ll unpack:The pay disparity across GIS roles and what it revealsHow entry-level positions can set the wrong trajectoryWhy spatial skills alone aren’t enough without systems thinkingThe mindset shift needed to break free from being "just a mapmaker"How to move from being a button-pusher to a strategic stakeholderWhether you're just entering the GIS field or feeling stuck in your current role, this episode offers a candid look at how to grow your career by aligning technical skills with business impact—and why it's time to expect more from GIS roles.🎧 Plus: Learn about the Modern GIS Accelerator, a program designed to help you scale your skills and reframe your career path.

📩 Get every update from my newsletter ➡️ https://forrest.nyc ⬅️💨 Sign up for the Modern GIS Accelerator ➡️ https://forrest.nyc/accelerator ⬅️Feeling stuck in your GIS career? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the common challenges GIS professionals face and how to break free from the "technician trap." Discover actionable strategies to transition from a support role to a strategic contributor, adding greater value to your organization.We'll explore how to shift your mindset from focusing solely on deliverables to emphasizing outcomes. Learn how to identify your technical passions, specialize effectively, and position yourself as a leader in your field. Whether you're aiming to build a standout portfolio, land a promotion, or pivot into a new GIS role, this episode offers practical insights to help you achieve your goals.Plus, hear real-world examples of how GIS professionals have transformed their careers by applying these principles. Tune in and start unlocking the next level in your GIS journey!

📩 Get every update from my newsletter ➡️ https://forrest.nyc ⬅️What if you could stop wrangling geospatial data, and just get to the good part?In this episode, I sit down with Rob Fletcher, Chief Science Officer at Seer AI, to talk about one of the biggest blockers in geospatial today: accessing and integrating the right data, at the right time, in the right format.Rob shares his journey from doing particle physics at CERN to pioneering spatial data infrastructure, and how Seer AI is building what he calls a “CDN for geospatial data.”We dive into:🌍 Why the biggest challenge in GIS isn’t analysis—it's finding and formatting data💡 The danger of agreeing to analytics projects without knowing what's possible🛠️ Why Seer AI chose graph technology to organize spatial data across sources⚡ How a "side project" dashboard became essential to real-time disaster response📊 Bridging the gap between GIS teams and business analystsWhether you're working in local government, disaster response, sustainability, or just tired of managing messy spatial data, this episode will change how you think about building modern GIS workflows.🔗 Learn more about Seer AI: https://seer.ai🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on the future of geospatial

In this episode, we sit down with David Price, GIS Project Manager for Wood County, Ohio, to explore the evolving landscape of modern GIS. David’s journey into geospatial wasn’t a traditional one—he started in data analytics before discovering GIS, a shift that completely changed his career trajectory.We dive into:🔹 Why GIS education is falling behind and how universities are missing the mark🔹 The critical skills GIS professionals need today (Hint: It’s more than just mapping)🔹 The debate: Do you really need to learn to code to stay competitive?🔹 Open-source vs. Esri: Why a hybrid approach is the future of GIS🔹 The power of real-time data, automation, and APIs in GIS workflowsDavid shares his experiences managing an enterprise GIS system, adapting to new geospatial technologies, and why he believes learning SQL and Python can future-proof your GIS career.If you’re a GIS professional, student, or just someone interested in the future of geospatial technology, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Is there a future in GIS? How can you break past the salary ceilings and position yourself for long-term success? In this episode, we dive into the realities of GIS careers, salaries, and strategies to help you grow.🔹 Why GIS salaries often lag behind similar data roles 🔹 The Technician Trap—how GIS is often seen as a support role rather than a strategic function 🔹 Skills that matter—Python, SQL, and cloud-native GIS for career flexibility 🔹 How to position yourself as a problem-solver, not just an executor 🔹 Tangible steps to accelerate your career without switching jobsGIS is an exciting field, but to truly thrive, you need to think beyond maps and spatial analysis—you need to be strategic. Tune in to learn how to showcase your skills, position yourself for growth, and maximize your career growth.