Geographical Thinking: E119 – Connecting Community in Cochrane Using GIS

Open data is often associated with transparency, but its impact can go far beyond simply making information available. When paired with GIS, it can help residents better understand their community and build stronger connections with the places they call home. In this episode of the Geographical Thinking podcast, host Michelle Brake is joined by Sydney St. Onge from the Town of Cochrane, Alberta, to explore how the municipality is using ArcGIS Hub to make maps, data and community information more accessible to residents. From supporting growth and development conversations to encouraging self-service access to geographic information, Cochrane is creating new opportunities for knowledge sharing. Whether you're a GIS professional, municipal leader, planner or community advocate, this conversation offers insights into how location technology can help turn information into understanding and strengthen connections between municipalities and the people they serve. 0:00 – Episode summary 1:03 – Intros 2:04 – Cochrane and GIS 6:10 – Self-service and the GeoHub 9:20 – Deciding what to share 12:11 – Maintenance and changes 16:54 – Advice 19:08 – New technologies 20:53 – Transparency 22:55 – Outro We’re posting new episodes full of inspiring geography stories at least monthly. Subscribe to Esri Canada’s channel so you never miss a new episode of Geographical Thinking! Looking for resources on what we discussed in today’s podcast? Check them out below! Cochrane GeoHub: (https://geohub.cochrane.ca/) A central destination for public maps, data, apps and community information that helps residents of Cochrane, AB better understand and engage with their town. Cochrane Public Water Use Dashboard: (https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/8427849d224c4d2ca155f588ebc64a35) Explore real-time water use information for the Town of Cochrane through this interactive dashboard designed to promote awareness, transparency and responsible water management. Cochrane Land Use Map: (https://cochranegis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/interactivelegend/index.html?appid=ae9ea66188f442a99f3c141706a13dc1) Search properties, view zoning districts and explore land use regulations through an interactive map based on Cochrane's current Land Use Bylaw. Cochrane Open Data Catalogue: (https://geohub.cochrane.ca/search?collection=dataset&layout=grid) Search and download open datasets from the Town of Cochrane to support your research, analysis, planning and community projects.