This column is sponsored by ESRI
The impetus for starting V1 Magazine was to break out of the mold of technology-centric geospatial reporting and focus on the processes that the tool set enables for the better stewardship of our planet. The application of geospatial tools for sustainability is a natural fit, and something that has been ongoing since the tools were invented. The idea to focus entirely on this space came about because of the greater awareness of geospatial capabilities, and the increased urgency for better management of our impacts.
The timing of the Vector1 Media launch was predicated by a number of personal and professional factors. In retrospect, we jumped onto the green wave just as mainstream media was ramping up their green coverage. This serendipitous timing has meant exposure to a wealth of good stories and ideas that have fed our reporting. The growing awareness of green technologies has also meant more projects and applications that have a green geospatial bent.
Focusing entirely on global change has exposed me to a number of dire and troubling indicators that point to a profoundly human-altered planet. It’s also provided me with encouraging and hopeful signs that the issues of global change are being taken seriously and that necessary actions are taking root.
International Coverage
With editors in both North America and Europe, we provide unique coverage that aims to give readers a global best-practices perspective. The exposure to projects and technology customizations on the global stage has given me a greater appreciation of the creativity that is unleashed through geospatial applications. No one country, region or city has a lock on good geospatial practices. There are interesting applications in all areas of the globe, and the most impactful implementations are often the result of just a small team or individual with a good idea and a passion and drive to execute that idea for the greater good.
Europe is well ahead of North America in exploring and mandating sustainable approaches. The United States can learn a great deal by looking closely at the projects and policy that European countries have undertaken. We should shamelessly adopt any ideas that offer practical solutions to sustainability issues. We all share the same planet, and while our cultures have some differences, there’s an increasing urgency to right the course of our planet’s natural systems.
The broader global coverage has also made me aware of growing political will to change our habits and create more vibrant communities. Our process-centric approach has greatly expanded my interest in urban planning, transportation and energy, all areas where geospatial tools can help achieve far greater efficiency. The importance of better city planning, mass transit with fewer personal vehicles and renewable energy options all have a geospatial context. I’m excited by the activity in these areas, and eager to report on advancements and breakthroughs.
New Media Advantages
The Internet provides a phenomenal platform for business incubation. With a few good ideas and dedicated work toward a goal, it’s possible to reach a broad audience in a rather short time. The low overhead of Internet distribution has meant less risk, and provides broad reach.
The speed of our news coverage is far accelerated from the previous monthly distribution that I became used to. Reporting quickly on topics that affect sustainability and geospatial practice has probably contributed the most to our exposure. People want to be the first to know, by providing timely coverage we can convert the immediate news visitor into an awareness of our sustainability message.
The function of syndicated content has greatly expanded the number of reporters, all with different perspectives. The shift from solely objective reporting to subjective and inquisitive reporting has helped me to forge stronger opinions and visions for where I’d like to see the technology expand.
The discipline of daily writing isn’t difficult when there are tools that provide instant feedback on the topics that readers find of interest. I’ve enjoyed the dialog with readers and the ability to see posts spread widely, and when posts miss the mark it’s good to know the topics that don’t resonate.
Interesting Conversations
I’ve always enjoyed conducting the one-on-one interview, as both an exercise in fact finding and as a means to stay in touch with both vendors and users. I’ve gradually increased these conversations as they have been one of the more enlightening sources of information on the quest to understand how geospatial tools are applied to sustainability.
The focus on sustainability through a spatial lens has led to a great number of interesting conversations. The discussion of sustainability has far wider appeal to the general audience than just saying that I report on geospatial technology, which almost always has to be followed by the descriptor of computer-based mapping. Cocktail party conversations are so much easier to start with sustainability as the goal. The message of mapping for efficiency is a topic that most people can readily relate to.
I feel grateful that in six month’s time we have been able to build a strong international community of like-minded and active readers who contribute comments and feedback on a regular basis. With more than 30,000 unique visitors per month, we’ve already reached a point that we wanted to be at for the year.
The support of many sponsors have allowed us to focus most of our efforts on reporting and digging into details. I’m confident that we’ve struck a chord that will have long-term viability, and I look forward to reporting interesting ideas in the geospatial sustainability area for some time to come.
Read what Jeff Thurston has to say on this topic here.
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