Points, Lines and Polygons - Spatial Conversations Episode 17 with guest Adam Ellison

Adam Ellison, a Canberra-based geospatial professional, shared his career journey, which began unexpectedly when a community college geography course in the US sparked his interest in GIS. After working in aerial imagery and experiencing a difficult unemployment period during the GFC that led to a bank job, his customer service skills helped him land a role at Esri Australia. His career path also included positions at Geoscape, the NIAA, and NOVA Systems, and he emphasized the strong value of professional relationships and collaboration across contractor and client teams. He highlighted the benefits of starting a career in a support and training role for its rapid learning curve and advised job seekers to apply even if they don't meet all criteria, showing a willingness to learn. He also noted the importance of mentorship in the spatial industry and speculated on the future direction of events and the impact of AI on data governance and metadata, stressing the need for personal responsibility in ensuring AI-generated metadata is reviewed. Introduction and Early Life [00:05 - 07:48] Dean and Adam greet each other and Adam shares his background, including growing up in Canberra, his plans to join the military, and an unexpected opportunity to study in the US. He recounts how a mandatory geography course and a professor's encouragement led him to human geography and an initial interest in GIS. First GIS Job and Career Challenges [07:49 - 13:20] Adam describes his first job at an aerial imagery company in the US, and the career challenges he faced during the GFC, including a period of unemployment and a toxic experience at a bank, which nonetheless taught valuable customer service skills. He also explains how his father-in-law's connections helped him get a passport. Return to Esri and the Support/Training Role [13:21 - 18:35] Adam discusses his return to Australia and his role at Esri Australia in support and training, emphasizing the value of this role for learning and troubleshooting. He then moves to PSMA (now Geoscape), working on inbound data and building relationships with jurisdiction agencies. NIAA and NOVA Systems: Leadership and Collaboration [18:36 - 23:32] Adam talks about his time at the Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), where he led a geospatial team during intense periods like the 2019 bushfires and COVID-19. He then transitions to NOVA Systems to work on the Digital Atlas at Geoscience Australia, highlighting the importance of collaboration across contractor teams. Importance of Relationships and Collaboration [23:33 - 30:45] Adam and Dean discuss the value of strong relationships and collaboration in the industry, sharing anecdotes about the importance of networking and leveraging partnerships. Adam reflects on his return to Esri Australia and the positive shift internally toward working with partners. Career Advice and Mentorship [30:46 - 38:12] Adam provides career advice for newcomers, emphasizing the importance of applying even without meeting all criteria, showing a willingness to learn, and seeking mentors. He underscores the need to nurture young people in the industry and the value of mentorship, sharing his own experience with a mentor. Future Trends and the Role of AI [38:13 - 46:00] Lachlan asks about the future of the geospatial industry, and Adam shares thoughts on post-GCA community coordination, AI's impact on data governance, and the importance of community events. He also addresses a question from Hanno about the role of metadata and AI, emphasizing personal responsibility in verifying AI-generated data. Closing Remarks and Announcements [46:01 - 46:54] Dean wraps up the discussion, thanking Adam and the audience, and announces next week's guest, Jonah. Adam and a few participants exchange final thanks and goodbyes.