Andy Eschbacher, Map Scientist at CARTO, on getting the most out of spatial data at ODSC East 2018

Key Takeaways:

  • GIS is an art and a science, requiring sophisticated software and a keen focus on aesthetics
  • Organization and visualization of data from online platforms like Twitter can provide insights into geographic and geological phenomena
  • Spatial data can be subject to optimization processes in ways that make businesses more efficient, as in the case of a UK waste company seeking the best truck routes to deliver refuse

For Andy Eschbacher, getting the most out of spatial data is both a science and an art. In his role as a map scientist at CARTO, a leading provider of location intelligence software based in New York City, Eschbacher uses geographical information systems (GIS) to help companies and organizations make decisions. At ODSC East 2018, Eschbacher talked about some of the use cases for GIS in the public and private sectors, as well as tools, tips, and tricks for working with spatial datasets.

Slide copyright Andy Eschbacher, ODSC East 2018

Spatial data can provide novel approaches to understanding geographic, demographic, and even geological events and trends. In one instance, Eschbacher organized Twitter data around mentions of the word “earthquake” to create impact maps detailing the extent of earthquakes in the American Midwest. Analyzing clusters and outliers of activity helped paint accurate pictures of major seismic events. This helps communities better understand the effects of earthquakes in their areas.

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