Technology and innovation have opened up tremendous amounts of opportunity for surveyors, map users and the GIS industry. but there is a lot of incorrect info about what is changing and how it’s changing. Nonetheless, there is a huge opportunity for surveyors that recognize the advantages associated with being early-movers. That’s just part of what’s so exhilarating about the future of the industry.

I’m most excited about how open streetmap is using technology in a way that enables the next generation of youths to use maps and change the environment. The GIS industry faces a growing age divide — there are not enough young enthusiast to take over for those who are approaching retirement. When we work with the younger generation of mappers, I love to encourage youth mappers to start capitalizing on web-based open geospatial technologies, together we can cultivate a generation of young leaders to create resilient communities and to define our world by mapping it. There is no better time than now.