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Geographical Thinking: E114 – Getting Technical: Spring 2026 GIS Update

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On the Spring 2026 episode of Getting Technical on the Geographical Thinking podcast, Esri Canada’s experts explore how AI is shaping the future of ArcGIS. Hawjin Falahatkar kicks things off with an overview of AI across the ArcGIS ecosystem, breaking down GeoAI, AI assistants and agentic AI, while also examining the role of security, trust and Esri’s Trusted AI framework. Then, Ben Mannell joins the conversation to share a developer’s perspective on AI in ArcGIS. He looks at how AI is influencing app design and development, what’s new in ArcGIS developer technology and how emerging tools and SDKs are helping build the next generation of spatial applications. Whether you’re an analyst, developer or GIS professional curious about where AI is headed, this episode will help you stay informed, think critically and work smarter with ArcGIS. 0:00 – Episode summary 0:46 – Intros 2:10 – GeoAI and AI assistants 18:17 – ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 31:15 – 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! GeoAI and AI Assistants: Geospatial AI platform (https://architecture.arcgis.com/en/overview/introduction-to-arcgis/geospatial-ai.html) Introduction to ArcGIS pretrained models (https://doc.arcgis.com/en/pretrained-models/latest/get-started/intro.htm) Deep learning in ArcGIS Pro (https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/analysis/deep-learning/deep-learning-in-arcgis-pro.htm) GeoAI in the age of foundation models (https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/arcnews/geoai-in-the-age-of-foundation-models) Configure AI assistants (https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-online/administer/configure-assistants.htm) ArcGIS Instant Apps - Data Explorer (beta) (https://doc.arcgis.com/en/instant-apps/latest/create-apps/data-explorer.htm) ArcGIS: A geospatial AI platform (https://mediaspace.esri.com/media/t/1_p2ogmf9c) Trusted AI in ArcGIS (https://trust.arcgis.com/en/trusted-ai/trusted-ai.htm) ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript: What's new in 5.0 (https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/js-api-arcgis/announcements/arcgis-maps-sdk-for-javascript-whats-new-in-5-0) Release notes for 5.0 (https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/v5-0/)