When it comes to pushing boundaries in GIS, Matt Forrest is a name that resonates. Over the years, Matt has emerged as a standout voice in the geospatial world, blending innovation, mentorship, and a relentless passion for technology.
A Proven Leader in GIS
Matt’s career trajectory is nothing short of inspiring. Starting with a solid foundation in Geography and Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he has spent the past decade shaping the future of geospatial technologies. From leading solutions at CARTO to his current role as Director of Customer Engineering & Product-Led Growth at Wherobots, Matt has consistently driven progress in the GIS field.
His expertise spans modern GIS, spatial SQL, and geospatial problem-solving, enabling professionals and organizations to extract actionable insights from location data. Matt’s work doesn’t just focus on technology but on making it accessible—democratizing GIS so that more people and industries can benefit.
An Advocate for Innovation
Matt’s contributions to the GIS community are not just about doing the work; they’re about changing how the work gets done. His leadership at CARTO helped redefine how businesses approach location intelligence, from spatial data science to scalable geospatial solutions. Whether designing cutting-edge maps or solving intricate spatial problems, Matt has always pushed for innovation that serves real-world needs.
Recognizing Excellence
Matt’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. He’s received numerous accolades, including first-place honors at the APTA AdWheel Awards and the prestigious NACIS Atlas of Design Selection. These awards highlight his ability to marry technical expertise with creative brilliance, producing outputs that are both functional and beautiful.
His Minneapolis Skyway Map and Milwaukee Subway Map are testaments to his ability to turn complex spatial information into elegant, user-friendly designs.
A Mentor and Advocate
Beyond his technical contributions, Matt has played a pivotal role as a mentor and thought leader. He holds a certification as a Geospatial Mentor and actively shares his knowledge to uplift others in the GIS community. Whether serving as an advisory board member for Spatialnode or on the editorial board for the Cloud-Native Geospatial Forum, he ensures that emerging voices have a platform.
Why Matt Deserves Celebration
Matt Forrest embodies what it means to be a leader in the GIS and mapping community. He’s not just shaping the tools and technologies of today but also paving the way for future generations of geospatial professionals. His contributions remind us that GIS is not just about maps or data—it’s about creating solutions that impact lives and industries.
Today, we celebrate Matt Forrest for his remarkable journey and ongoing commitment to the field. Through his work, mentorship, and vision, Matt is ensuring that GIS remains a vibrant and evolving space. Thank you, Matt, for being a guiding light in the geospatial community.
