Points, Lines and Polygons - Spatial Conversations Episode 23 guest Justin Fail

Dean Howell interviewed Justin Fail about his roughly 30-year geospatial career, from early GIS and software development in New Zealand through roles in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Finland and Dubai, to founding Geovolve, a small consultancy specializing in Esri Utility Network implementations for electricity and water organizations. They discussed how GIS skills transfer internationally, the value of varied industries and cultures, and how large firms can teach standards while smaller teams offer broader responsibilities; independent specialists can fill niche needs and collaborate across borders, though procurement, insurance and time zones can complicate remote work. Justin emphasized treating GIS software as one tool among many, learning open-source and development approaches, and using AI tools critically rather than skipping the underlying learning. In response to a local-government question about departments treating data as GIS’s responsibility, he noted that data ownership requires management support, clear governance and change management, and suggested making data problems visible through maps or dashboards and using business-case resources to build support. Justin also planned to attend the Locate conference in November, and Dean previewed next week’s career discussion. Welcome and the Beginnings of a GIS Career [00:38 - 06:18] Dean and Justin catch up before introducing the recorded interview. Justin begins describing how his university studies and early CAD work led him into the emerging GIS industry and early consulting projects. A Global Career and the Move to Geovolve [06:18 - 12:03] Justin recounts his early consulting and development work, then traces a career that took him to Australia, Saudi Arabia, Finland, Dubai, and back to New Zealand. He describes the technologies and projects he encountered before founding Geovolve and specializing in utility network implementations. Working Across Borders and Building Independent Practices [12:03 - 17:26] The conversation considers the opportunities created by GIS’s global reach, including how professionals can work across countries and how smaller independent firms can deliver projects remotely. Dean and Justin also discuss practical constraints such as time zones, employment rules, insurance, and procurement. Geospatial Niches and International Perspectives [17:26 - 23:01] Dean and Justin discuss the many specialties within geospatial work and how independent practitioners can serve distinct niches alongside large vendors and consulting firms. They also reflect on how international experience exposes professionals to different solutions and ways of thinking. Career Foundations: Standards, Process, and Adaptability [23:01 - 28:19] Justin explains how large organizations can teach standards, quality assurance, and project processes, while smaller workplaces offer broader responsibilities and rapid learning. Dean adds examples from defense and government projects, highlighting the value of adapting documentation to its audience. Lessons from a Diverse Career and Choosing the Right Tools [28:19 - 33:56] Justin reflects on the benefits of working across industries, cultures, and technologies, including a process-oriented approach and a broader understanding of GIS beyond any one vendor. The discussion turns to choosing practical tools—such as Python or FME—and to the promise and risks of AI-assisted work. Curiosity, AI, and Understanding Geospatial Fundamentals [33:56 - 39:37] Dean and Justin advise using AI tools while still learning how they work, maintaining curiosity, and developing the critical thinking needed to troubleshoot results. They also discuss how understanding geospatial fundamentals, including map projections, helps professionals assess new tools and claims. Data Governance Q&A and Meeting Close The speakers arrange a possible catch-up at the Locate conference, then take a question about improving data ownership and governance in local government. Justin emphasizes visible outcomes, management support, clear responsibilities, and patience; the meeting closes with resource suggestions and thanks.