Matt Ball
@spatialsustain.bsky.social
Writer/editor at Esri, relating innovation in the real world to the power of GIS. I edit Esri Blog—Better vision. Better world. #Sustainability
A new way to fight environmental crime in the Amazon: give enforcement agencies from four countries the same real-time map. Operation Green Shield: 94 arrests, 2,100 live animals recovered, $121M in assets seized in two weeks. #COP30 www.esri.com/about/newsro...
November 10, 2025 at 4:40 PM
A new way to fight environmental crime in the Amazon: give enforcement agencies from four countries the same real-time map. Operation Green Shield: 94 arrests, 2,100 live animals recovered, $121M in assets seized in two weeks. #COP30 www.esri.com/about/newsro...
The Pan American Health Organization used GIS to map Paraguay's healthcare gaps and found that 556 new primary care facilities could reach 1.36M people—18% of the population—who previously lacked access to care. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
November 5, 2025 at 4:41 PM
The Pan American Health Organization used GIS to map Paraguay's healthcare gaps and found that 556 new primary care facilities could reach 1.36M people—18% of the population—who previously lacked access to care. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Adelaide city planners and Arup built a digital twin for residents to vote on growth: slow pace preserving character vs. bold density for housing affordability. Citizens explored scenarios, saw tradeoffs in real-time, then chose. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
November 3, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Adelaide city planners and Arup built a digital twin for residents to vote on growth: slow pace preserving character vs. bold density for housing affordability. Citizens explored scenarios, saw tradeoffs in real-time, then chose. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Malaysia built one of the world's most advanced health registries by mapping every facility, practitioner, and resource across 36M people. They now forecast needs to 2040 and cut response times from months to weeks. A model for proactive health systems. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
October 29, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Malaysia built one of the world's most advanced health registries by mapping every facility, practitioner, and resource across 36M people. They now forecast needs to 2040 and cut response times from months to weeks. A model for proactive health systems. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
In Mali, the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre helps local responders navigate the pressures of drought, armed conflict, and ethnic and political divisions to shape daily survival decisions and offer hope for resilience.
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GIS Bridges Satellite Intelligence and Local Action in Conflict Zones
The Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre maps conflict risks and enables proactive response in complex crisis zones.
www.esri.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:18 PM
In Mali, the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre helps local responders navigate the pressures of drought, armed conflict, and ethnic and political divisions to shape daily survival decisions and offer hope for resilience.
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Digital twins aren't just 3D models—they're where geography meets engineering. By anchoring construction data in spatial context, George Floros has documented tangible improvements in project coordination, safety, and operational efficiency. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
When Digital Twins Meet Real-World Infrastructure Challenges
Learn how GIS and BIM integration transform complex infrastructure projects, from airports to nuclear plants, improving efficiency.
www.esri.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Digital twins aren't just 3D models—they're where geography meets engineering. By anchoring construction data in spatial context, George Floros has documented tangible improvements in project coordination, safety, and operational efficiency. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Six cartographers in Spain's Cantabria region use geospatial AI to count beachgoers from aerial photos, track invasive species, and guide millions of tourists—protecting fragile coastlines while keeping data open to all. Small team, big impact. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
How One Spanish Region Revolutionized Mapping with AI
Cantabria, Spain's mapping team uses AI to reveal patterns, guiding visitors away from crowded spots to protect the landscape.
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October 21, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Six cartographers in Spain's Cantabria region use geospatial AI to count beachgoers from aerial photos, track invasive species, and guide millions of tourists—protecting fragile coastlines while keeping data open to all. Small team, big impact. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Wildfire Awareness🔥FireGuard's National Guard analysts provide 24/7 monitoring of wildfires across North America since 2019. Next up is FireSat designed specifically for wildfire detection, offering global coverage every 20 minutes by 2030. 🛰️ https://ow.ly/fMaF50Xb78C
Inside FireGuard: Military Intelligence Meets Wildfire Response
How National Guard analysts use satellite technology and GIS mapping to provide 24/7 fire detection across the US and Canada.
ow.ly
October 14, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Wildfire Awareness🔥FireGuard's National Guard analysts provide 24/7 monitoring of wildfires across North America since 2019. Next up is FireSat designed specifically for wildfire detection, offering global coverage every 20 minutes by 2030. 🛰️ https://ow.ly/fMaF50Xb78C
As the land narrows in southern Mexico, it creates a bottleneck effect causing a “river of raptors.”Audubon’s Alas Seguras (safe wings) tool uses GIS to map important areas in Colombia for migratory birds, guiding conservation efforts and preservation recommendations. https://ow.ly/Xcn450X7Ro1
Audubon Society Launches New Conservation Tool During Migration Season
Audubon’s Alas Seguras tool uses GIS to map important areas for migratory birds in Colombia, guiding conservation efforts and recommendations.
ow.ly
October 7, 2025 at 3:20 PM
As the land narrows in southern Mexico, it creates a bottleneck effect causing a “river of raptors.”Audubon’s Alas Seguras (safe wings) tool uses GIS to map important areas in Colombia for migratory birds, guiding conservation efforts and preservation recommendations. https://ow.ly/Xcn450X7Ro1
When tornadoes hit Tallahassee, TLCGIS used geospatial AI to assess tree damage in days instead of months. This and other AI innovations shows how mid-sized cities can leverage automation to recover faster from disasters. 🌳🗺️ https://ow.ly/21cY50X4ojp
When Tornadoes Hit Tallahassee, AI Maps the Damage in Days Instead of Months
Discover how Tallahassee used geospatial AI to map storm damage, revolutionizing emergency response with innovative GIS technology.
ow.ly
September 30, 2025 at 3:07 PM
When tornadoes hit Tallahassee, TLCGIS used geospatial AI to assess tree damage in days instead of months. This and other AI innovations shows how mid-sized cities can leverage automation to recover faster from disasters. 🌳🗺️ https://ow.ly/21cY50X4ojp
JXN Water fixed leaks by breaking down departmental silos and putting GIS at the center. Plant operators now coordinate with field crews, meter techs talk to repair teams—all working from the same ArcGIS Utility Network foundation. 🚰 www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Creating a Better Water Utility: Mississippi’s Largest City
When Jackson's water system failed, JXN Water turned to GIS mapping to rebuild from crisis in Mississippi's largest city.
www.esri.com
September 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
JXN Water fixed leaks by breaking down departmental silos and putting GIS at the center. Plant operators now coordinate with field crews, meter techs talk to repair teams—all working from the same ArcGIS Utility Network foundation. 🚰 www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Sustainable Agriculture at Trinchero Family Estates 🍇
Doug Wood uses GIS to manage 9,000 acres with boutique precision across California's diverse wine regions. One of America's leading wineries produces 28M bottles while treating every vine individually.
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Doug Wood uses GIS to manage 9,000 acres with boutique precision across California's diverse wine regions. One of America's leading wineries produces 28M bottles while treating every vine individually.
www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Trinchero Family Estates: When Precision Becomes Mission-Critical
At one of the nation’s largest wineries, GIS is bringing clarity, consistency, and precision to every decision.
www.esri.com
September 16, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Sustainable Agriculture at Trinchero Family Estates 🍇
Doug Wood uses GIS to manage 9,000 acres with boutique precision across California's diverse wine regions. One of America's leading wineries produces 28M bottles while treating every vine individually.
www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Doug Wood uses GIS to manage 9,000 acres with boutique precision across California's diverse wine regions. One of America's leading wineries produces 28M bottles while treating every vine individually.
www.esri.com/about/newsro...
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children just launched an interactive map that transforms how communities can help find missing kids. For the first time, missing child posters appear on a public map. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
National Missing Children Database Now Accessible Through Community-Focused Map
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) transformed investigative GIS tools into public resources.
www.esri.com
September 11, 2025 at 2:19 PM
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children just launched an interactive map that transforms how communities can help find missing kids. For the first time, missing child posters appear on a public map. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
MITRE's "Project Homeland" merges graph analytics that reveal critical infrastructure interdependencies with geographic mapping showing proximity patterns—exposing critical connectivity across energy, water, transportation, and communications networks. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
US Water, Power, and Emergency Systems Are Vulnerable; Advanced Maps Show Where
MITRE is building a national mapping system to reveal where America's critical infrastructure connections create dangerous vulnerabilities.
www.esri.com
September 9, 2025 at 2:36 PM
MITRE's "Project Homeland" merges graph analytics that reveal critical infrastructure interdependencies with geographic mapping showing proximity patterns—exposing critical connectivity across energy, water, transportation, and communications networks. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
When a rancher bulldozed 175+ penguin nests, explorer Popi Borboroglu & National Geographic mapper Sam Guilford used satellites to help prosecutor Florencia Gómez win justice—expanding wildlife protection 8x. Tech meets tenacity. 🐧⚖️ www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Penguin Conservationists Use Maps and Satellite Images to Help Win Landmark Court Case
A groundbreaking case in Argentina used GIS to help convict a rancher of ecocide, expanding protections for penguins and other species.
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September 3, 2025 at 1:55 PM
When a rancher bulldozed 175+ penguin nests, explorer Popi Borboroglu & National Geographic mapper Sam Guilford used satellites to help prosecutor Florencia Gómez win justice—expanding wildlife protection 8x. Tech meets tenacity. 🐧⚖️ www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Memories of Hurricane Katrina still guide skill and tool advancements to be sure we are prepared. This story details an exercise that tested the latest version of the Search and Rescue Common Operating Platform (SARCOP) from @NAPSGFoundation. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Testing Lifesaving Skills in an Exercise Where Every Rescuer Sees the Same Map
Missouri Task Force One tested drones and the Search and Rescue Common Operating Platform (SARCOP) software to better prepare for disasters.
www.esri.com
August 28, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Memories of Hurricane Katrina still guide skill and tool advancements to be sure we are prepared. This story details an exercise that tested the latest version of the Search and Rescue Common Operating Platform (SARCOP) from @NAPSGFoundation. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Hawaii’s new Department of Law Enforcement is pioneering the use of virtual reality—using geographic information system (GIS) technology to build a geospatial digital twin—to enhance security, incident response, and training. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Virtual Reality Meets Real Policing: How Hawaii’s Newest State Agency is Protecting Paradise
Hawaii's Department of Law Enforcement uses digital twin technology and virtual reality for state capitol security and multi-island training.
www.esri.com
August 26, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Hawaii’s new Department of Law Enforcement is pioneering the use of virtual reality—using geographic information system (GIS) technology to build a geospatial digital twin—to enhance security, incident response, and training. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Sheriff departments across Southern California are using mobile GIS to coordinate faster, safer wildfire evacuations—transforming how teams communicate, respond, and protect communities. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Fire Season Preparedness: GIS Powers Southern California Sheriff Departments' Evacuations
Southern California sheriff departments use mobile GIS apps to coordinate faster, safer wildfire evacuations and improve public safety.
www.esri.com
August 19, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Sheriff departments across Southern California are using mobile GIS to coordinate faster, safer wildfire evacuations—transforming how teams communicate, respond, and protect communities. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
In an era where data overwhelms and attention spans shrink, Allen Carroll believes maps have the power to captivate us. And he’s spent his career proving it. His new book, Telling Stories with Map chronicles a remarkable journey. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Q&A: From Cartographer to Digital Pioneer, Allen Carroll’s Journey of Map-Based Storytelling
Allen Carroll’s book, Telling Stories with Maps, chronicles a journey from analog cartography to digital frontiers.
www.esri.com
August 12, 2025 at 2:53 PM
In an era where data overwhelms and attention spans shrink, Allen Carroll believes maps have the power to captivate us. And he’s spent his career proving it. His new book, Telling Stories with Map chronicles a remarkable journey. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Seattle Police Department’s GIS transformation survived budget cuts and staff turnover to emerge stronger, evolving from paper maps to real-time digital systems for event security now powering everything from parades, concerts, and global sporting events. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Behind Seattle's Event Security: Mapping Threats and Measuring Success
GIS transforms Seattle's event planning from paper maps with Post-it notes to real-time digital coordination.
www.esri.com
August 5, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Seattle Police Department’s GIS transformation survived budget cuts and staff turnover to emerge stronger, evolving from paper maps to real-time digital systems for event security now powering everything from parades, concerts, and global sporting events. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
South Africa’s tiny Pickersgill’s reed frog serves as an indicator species whose presence signals ecosystem health. Conservation efforts by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has resulted in government policies that expand habitat, guide land use, and reduce harm. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
In South Africa, A Chorus of Tiny Frogs Signals Conservation Success
The fate of South Africa's endangered Pickersgill's reed frog was transformed by mapping habitats and studying what caused them harm.
www.esri.com
July 22, 2025 at 2:55 PM
South Africa’s tiny Pickersgill’s reed frog serves as an indicator species whose presence signals ecosystem health. Conservation efforts by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has resulted in government policies that expand habitat, guide land use, and reduce harm. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
The Nature Conservancy @nature.org has applied geospatial AI and an environmental digital twin to guide the restoration and protection of Caribbean coral and its precious biodiversity. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Conservationists Use Satellites and Geospatial AI to Guide Caribbean Coral Protections
The Nature Conservancy applies geospatial AI and an environmental digital twin to guide the restoration and protection of Caribbean coral.
www.esri.com
July 15, 2025 at 1:53 PM
The Nature Conservancy @nature.org has applied geospatial AI and an environmental digital twin to guide the restoration and protection of Caribbean coral and its precious biodiversity. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History reaches five million visitors each year. Learn more about Kirk Johnson and how he values maps to leave them with an appreciation for the natural world and our place in it. www.esri.com/about/newsro... #EsriUC2025
The Smithsonian Museum Uses Immersive Maps to Spark Wonder and Offer Hope
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History will soon feature a reality-based digital experience to relate the feeling of discovery.
www.esri.com
July 14, 2025 at 9:50 PM
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History reaches five million visitors each year. Learn more about Kirk Johnson and how he values maps to leave them with an appreciation for the natural world and our place in it. www.esri.com/about/newsro... #EsriUC2025
Great showcase of Chattanooga at #UC2025. Hear more about America's first National Park City with this interview with Mayor Kelly. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Q&A: Chattanooga's Mayor Kelly Maps a Path to America’s First National Park City
Mayor Kelly uses GIS to quantify Chattanooga's natural assets, putting parcels into conservation while using nature to drive economic growth.
www.esri.com
July 14, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Great showcase of Chattanooga at #UC2025. Hear more about America's first National Park City with this interview with Mayor Kelly. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Forward-thinking governors in Oregon, Utah, and Colorado are using GIS technology to transform the affordable housing crisis into visible opportunities that accelerate development, build public support, and create more livable communities. www.esri.com/about/newsro...
Western Governors Map Ways Out of the Housing Crisis with GIS Technology
States like Oregon, Utah, and Colorado leverage GIS to map housing opportunities to accelerate affordable housing with community support.
www.esri.com
July 10, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Forward-thinking governors in Oregon, Utah, and Colorado are using GIS technology to transform the affordable housing crisis into visible opportunities that accelerate development, build public support, and create more livable communities. www.esri.com/about/newsro...