Foreword Geographic Understanding Creates a Better Future I often say that sustainability starts with geography. Geography holds the key to helping us better understand and manage our world, which faces compounding crises. In fact, I believe our future depends on it. We must be more coordinated and concentrated in taking action where it is needed the most if we are to create a world that is healthy, prosperous, equitable, peaceful, secure, and in balance with nature. In other words, geography will help us ensure a more sustainable future for all. A Foundation for Understanding A geographic approach provides a way of thinking and problem solving that integrates and organizes all relevant information in the crucial context of location. In much the same way that geography integrates the physical, biological, and social sciences, geographic information system (GIS) technology integrates the knowledge that is needed to understand the complex challenges facing our world. GIS provides a means to examine and explore the dimensions of every challenge, prioritizing what to do where and when based on evidence and analysis. With GIS, layers of domain-specific intelligence can be draped over maps. They can be combined and modeled to reveal new relationships and hidden connections across space and time. Leaders make more informed decisions using GIS to see these patterns and trends, model different scenarios, and craft solutions. They use maps to better communicate and collaborate—providing a shared understanding of the issues at hand. With GIS, government agencies, companies, and institutions around the globe are using the power of geography to guide their course toward a better future. Toward a National GIS It is clear that creating a better future requires us to work collaboratively, connecting our organizations to truly understand our world. GIS has become more interconnected than ever before. Systems link organizations and agencies together to share millions of datasets among a diverse set of users. Users with expertise and knowledge use this data and GIS to create billions of maps every day. This has created ripple effects of positive impacts on the world, from biodiversity protection to safer and more inclusive communities. Technological advancements have enhanced the utility of GIS and expanded its impact. The latest GIS-powered solutions thrive on endless data from a growing constellation of Earth-observing satellites and ground-based sensors. The increased number and frequency of observations are now processed using cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance knowledge about our planet in near real time. A greater flow of data between and within organizations has reduced siloed information and broadened interdisciplinary collaboration. A shared map provides the conduit for integrating and exchanging knowledge and information—building a national and global GIS that fosters a shared understanding and allows everyone to chart our progress together. Building Digital Twins With a national GIS, we can truly start to model and understand our world in new ways. Building a GIS-based digital twin of our planet using reality capture and real-time data shows not only what’s happening now but allows us to simulate what might be. A living digital twin tracks everything that moves and changes in the landscape and models performance and stresses on systems. With this GIS-based digital twin, we gain new insight into how every part of a system affects the others, pinpointing problems and addressing challenges as they arise. It fills me with hope to see digital twins and open science used to conserve more land and ocean, to identify inequities, and to address the impacts of climate-related threats. We need more evidence-based guidance to improve the balance on our planet and meet the urgency of the moment. With digital twins, we have an opportunity to advance science at an accelerated pace. Mapping the Nation Within this book are stories that describe the work of technical and scientific experts, civil servants, policymakers, designers, and many more stakeholders who make the world better using GIS. Mapping the Nation: Creating the World We Want to See continues a long series of books that acknowledge the contributions of GIS users by showcasing their work. These stories illustrate how geography and a geographic approach guide important decisions around the globe. We're continuously amazed by the depth of GIS activity and how its use measurably improves organizations and communities. Using GIS, professionals advance science, design with nature in mind, make communities more livable and efficient, improve public safety, secure nations, protect natural spaces, enhance human health, and mitigate social conflicts. Now is the time to strengthen the stewardship of our world. At Esri®, we're dedicated to enhancing knowledge to create the world we all want to see. Sustainability starts with geography. Warm regards, Jack Dangermond 1
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