Preface

Data at the edge of your fingertips is the power to uncover and shape the truth.

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In a world where decisions must be made in real time, accessing the right information can mean the difference between clarity and confusion, success and failure. With every passing moment, data grows exponentially, making it harder to locate, interpret, and apply effectively. That’s what makes Data at the Edge essential—it’s your guide to mastering the tools and techniques needed to uncover and analyze location-based data.

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But this book is more than just about finding data; it’s about transforming how you perceive, engage with, and impact the world. By thinking geospatially—uncovering truths through the lens of location, context, and spatial relationships—you’ll gain insights into people, places, and patterns that others might overlook. This perspective equips you with the ability to act, solve challenges, and create meaningful change, grounded in accurate, unbiased information free from distortions.

At the heart of this transformation lies the principle of epistemic humility—acknowledging the limits of what we know while staying open to new perspectives and possibilities. This mindset fuels curiosity, self-awareness, and a commitment to truth, empowering you to challenge assumptions and make decisions that truly matter.

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The longer you wait to embrace these tools, the more opportunities slip away. New technologies are constantly emerging and evolving, making it harder to keep pace. The best time to begin is now.

My journey into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) began when Gilbert Lasnier, Aeronautical GIS Officer at ICAO and one of the greatest minds in GIS, introduced me to this field. Without his guidance, this book would not exist. His influence resonates through my work and the countless lives touched by GIS.

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From visualizing the spread of COVID and mapping escape routes to help civilians flee war zones, to halting an oil company’s drilling project in the Amazon rainforest and supporting U.S. veterans—I’ve used GIS to make a tangible difference. Maps are not just visual representations; they are tools for uncovering hidden truths, telling compelling stories, and driving action. Whether monitoring environmental degradation or mapping radiation levels near nuclear plants, GIS empowers us to address critical challenges and create meaningful change.

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The edge is closer than you think. Are you ready to take the first step?