Stories That Map Our World

Editors Note

Welcome to the Q1 2026 edition of The Spatial Times.

This issue marks an important step in strengthening a space where geospatial voices from across our communities can be seen, heard, and shared. What stands out most in this edition is not just the content itself, but the perspectives behind it. Stories that reflect how geospatial thinking is shaping economies, influencing societies, and redefining Africa’s role in global innovation.

From exploring location as the invisible backbone of Zimbabwe’s digital economy, to examining how technology continues to shape generations, and highlighting Africa’s growing leadership in geospatial innovation. This edition brings together ideas that challenge, inform, and inspire.

We are grateful to our contributors for sharing their insights and experiences, and to our growing community for continuing to engage with this platform. The Spatial Times is ultimately a reflection of you, your work, your voice, and your vision for the future.

As we continue to build this space, we invite you to not only read, but to participate, contribute, and help shape the next edition.

— Kumbirai Matingo (editor)

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Mapping Her Way: Celebrating Women in Geospatial

GeoConnect recently hosted Mapping Her Way: Maps and Mingle as part of Women’s Month a vibrant gathering that brought together women in geospatial to connect, share experiences, and explore how mapping can drive empowerment and impact.

From conversations on safety and environmental applications to celebrating women shaping the field, the event created a space for reflection, inspiration, and community.

Read the full story and highlights here → https://www.geo-connect.org/resources/blog/mapping-her-way-creating-spaces-where-women-rise-speak-and-lead

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We just dropped our impact story! What happens when youth, community, and open data come together?

The Chinhoyi OSM Mapping Project, led by GeoConnect, is a powerful example of how geospatial innovation can transform cities, empower communities, and enable data-driven decision-making.

See how the Chinhoyi OSM Mapping Project is transforming communities through open data

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Featured Community Stories

The GeoGov ZW Series (Part 1 )

The invisible infrastructure: Why location is the DNA of Zimbabwe’s Digital Economy (By Tafadzwa Bere)

Location data underpins everything from urban planning to digital services, yet remains largely invisible. This piece explores how geospatial infrastructure is quietly shaping Zimbabwe’s digital economy and why recognising its value is critical for national development and innovation.

​https://stories.geo-connect.org/blog/tafadzwabere/newsletter/the-invisible-infrastructure-why-location-is-the-dna-of-zimbabwes-digital-economy/

Every generation is raised by a different technology: Technology is the parent of society (By Sosono Takesure Tafadzwa)

From radio to AI, each generation is shaped by the technologies it inherits. This thought-provoking piece examines how technology influences behaviour, culture, and decision-making—and what this means for the future of societies navigating rapid digital transformation.

​https://stories.geo-connect.org/blog/sosonotakesuretafadzwa/newsletter/every-generation-is-raised-by-a-different-technology-technology-is-the-parent-of-society/

Mapping the future: How Africa is rewriting the Geospatial Playbook with cutting-edge technologies (by Brian Otieno)

Africa is redefining geospatial innovation through emerging technologies like AI, drones, and big data. This article highlights how the continent is not just adopting global trends, but actively shaping a new geospatial narrative driven by local challenges and opportunities.

​https://stories.geo-connect.org/blog/brianotieno/newsletter/mapping-the-future-how-africa-is-rewriting-the-geospatial-playbook-with-cutting-edge-technologies/

How to become a community contributor?

We’ve built a space for community, by the community, where geospatial stories inspire action, learning, and the next generation of mappers. Introducing GeoConnect | Community Stories. From grassroots mapping initiatives and student journeys to professional breakthroughs and impact-driven projects — this platform captures the human side of geospatial work. And you too can be a part of that.

Trends & Insights so far…

As the geospatial landscape continues to evolve, the first quarter of 2026 has revealed clear shifts in how data, technology, and communities are shaping the future of the industry. From the growing role of artificial intelligence to the increasing importance of community-driven data, these trends highlight a sector that is becoming more integrated, impactful, and essential to decision-making.

Below are some of the key trends and insights observed between January and March 2026.

1. AI is Moving from Experimentation to Operational Use in GIS

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a “nice-to-have” in geospatial workflows. In Q1 2026, we are seeing increased deployment of AI in real-world applications. From automated feature extraction to predictive spatial modelling, particularly in urban planning, agriculture, and disaster response.

2. Open Data is Gaining Ground, but Quality Remains a Challenge

Across Africa, more governments and organisations are opening up geospatial datasets. However, inconsistencies in data quality, standardisation, and update frequency continue to limit full usability, highlighting the growing need for stronger data governance frameworks.

3. EO (Earth Observation) is Becoming Central to Climate Decision-Making

Satellite data is increasingly being integrated into climate adaptation strategies. From drought monitoring to flood prediction, Q1 has shown a stronger shift toward using EO data not just for analysis, but for policy and operational decision-making.

4. Community Mapping is Driving Localised Impact

Grassroots mapping initiatives continue to expand, especially through youth-led movements and local organisations. These efforts are filling critical data gaps in underserved areas, reinforcing the role of community-driven data in development planning.

5. Integration of GIS with Digital Public Infrastructure is Emerging

Geospatial systems are beginning to integrate more closely with national digital platforms, such as land systems, health systems, and smart city initiatives. This signals a shift toward location-enabled governance and service delivery.

6. Demand for Geospatial Skills Continues to Rise

There is a noticeable increase in demand for GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data analysis skills across sectors. However, a skills gap persists, particularly in advanced areas such as geospatial AI, cloud-based GIS, and spatial data engineering.

7. Africa is Shaping Its Own Geospatial Narrative

Rather than simply adopting global technologies, African practitioners and organisations are increasingly adapting geospatial tools to local contexts driving innovation in agriculture, urban development, and environmental management.

Geospatial News Highlights

Before anything else, let's talk about Global Surveyors Day which took place in various places around the world on the 21st of March. Our team was privileged to attend the Survey Institute of Zimbabwe’s local celebrations of this prestigious and historical event.

See for yourself in the pictures below.

Young Surveyors, blended well together with the seasoned professionals of the profession which just shows how generational legacy is being carried onward into the next generation. In Zimbabwe, through the Survey Institute of Zimbabwe, the event also saw the recognition of the Registrar of the Council of Land Surveyors of Zimbabwe and certificate handover ceremony to newly registered Land Survey Technicians and Land Surveyors in Training. The number of certificates handed over indicates an important milestone in how the profession is also growing.

More pictures and scenes from the Zimbabwean celebrations of this event below. (Images courtesy of the Survey Institute of Zimbabwe)

What about from the rest of the African Region? Well the FIG Young Surveyors Monthly briefing has it all. Explore the visual for yourself and get a glimpse of what took place in other countries such as Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Nigeria.

Now, back to other news. These are some of the top stories that have made the headlines in the community this first quarter of the year.

• ​Copernicus Sentinel-1A Data Loss Event Raises Concerns​
• ​Google Expands Geospatial AI Capabilities in Earth Engine​
• ​Africa’s Digital Mapping Ecosystem Gains Momentum​
• ​Drone Mapping Adoption Surges in Agriculture and Urban Planning​
• ​OpenStreetMap Community Expands Global Humanitarian Mapping Efforts​

Opportunities and Announcements

Friday Focus Webinar Series Returns

GeoConnect is proud to partner with the Young Surveyors Network of Zimbabwe in bringing back the “Focus Friday: The Geospatial Grind – Level Up Fridays” webinar series in 2026.

This bi-weekly platform will explore emerging technologies, industry trends, and practical insights, while fostering connection and continuous learning among young professionals in the geospatial field.

Stay tuned for upcoming topics, speakers, and registration details.

Upcoming Events to Watch

• The AfriGEO Youth Community of Practice (CoP) is hosting its International Women’s Day Event | Women in Earth Observation: Youth Voices, Future Leaders event on the 8th of April. Find out more here - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/afrigeo_internationalwomensday-womeninstem-earthobservation-activity-7442505705011593216-npqw/
• FIG Congress 2026 & 10th Young Surveyors Conference, Capetown, South Africa from the 24th to the 29th of May 2026, https://www.fig.net/fig2026/
• The Deep Learning Indaba 2026, Will take place at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, Nigeria. From 2-7 August 2026. Applications to participate are now open!. https://deeplearningindaba.com/2026/
• ESRI User Conference, July 13–17, 2026 | San Diego, California. Join thousands of geospatial professionals and enthusiasts at the world’s largest GIS conference. https://www.esri.com/en-us/about/events/uc/overview
• The African Association of Remote Sensing of the Environment (AARSE) 30th Anniversary Conference is being held at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare from October 26-30, 2026. https://aarse2026.org/
• 10th AfriGEO Symposium to be held in Nigeria, from the 5th to the 8th of October 2026.

Sponsor Spotlight

This edition of The Spatial Times is proudly supported by KM-Spatial and Parvitech.

KM-Spatial is a geospatial and IT consultancy company that continues to play a key role in advancing geospatial intelligence, supporting organisations and communities to harness the power of spatial data for informed decision-making.

Founded in March 2022, Parvitech Enterprises is a technology supply and infrastructure partner dedicated to helping organizations across Zimbabwe access reliable computing solutions. To make technology more accessible, they also offer flexible payment plans and pre-order options, making it easier for clients to access the latest devices without compromise.

Partner With Us

We are opening up opportunities for organisations and brands to be featured in upcoming editions of The Spatial Times.

If you are looking to connect with a growing network of geospatial professionals, practitioners, and enthusiasts, we invite you to partner with us and gain visibility within this dynamic community.

For sponsorship inquiries: info@geo-connect.org

What Next?

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