Dave Livesey - Geospatial for Dummies and Why Mapping Matters

2016 Agile Yorkshire Xmas Lightning Talks Event Video The Agile Yorkshire Xmas Lightning Talks Competition in 2016 showcased eight incredible speakers delivering 10-minute talks on a wide range of fascinating tech topics. With audience participation and tight time constraints, the event was packed with energy. This video, shot at the 2016 event, features one of the standout talks of the evening. Enjoy! In his talk, Dave Livesey explores the evolution of geospatial mapping, highlighting how advances in cloud computing, APIs, and big data have revolutionised the industry. He contrasts the traditional, complex methods of mapping—requiring extensive infrastructure and expertise—with modern, accessible solutions that leverage APIs from companies like Google and Apple. Dave discusses how technologies like drones, satellites, and wearables are making real-time geospatial data more accessible and useful than ever. He emphasises how even non-technical users can now engage with mapping tools through intuitive, drag-and-drop interfaces, unlocking powerful analytics and applications. His talk also covers a variety of real-world examples, from logistics and retail to healthcare, showcasing the diverse ways geospatial data is being used to improve decision-making and solve practical problems.