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Top GIS Voices 2024: Will Cadell

Founder of Sparkgeo. Innovating solutions for tech, agriculture, and aerospace industries

Will Cadell
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When it comes to geospatial strategy and technological innovation, Will Cadell stands out as a visionary leader. As the Founder and CEO of Sparkgeo, Will has spent over a decade helping organizations unlock the potential of location data, turning complex geospatial problems into actionable solutions.

Driving Geospatial Excellence

In 2010, Will founded Sparkgeo, a geospatial consulting firm that partners with some of the biggest brands across technology, agriculture, aerospace, and automotive sectors. Under his leadership, Sparkgeo has become a powerhouse, delivering cutting-edge solutions like modernizing legacy systems and building cloud-based geospatial platforms.

Will’s ability to see geospatial technology not just as a tool but as a strategic asset has transformed how industries use maps, spatial analysis, and remote sensing.

A Thought Leader in Geospatial Strategy

Will is more than a CEO; he’s a thought leader shaping the future of geospatial. As the Co-host of the NORTH51 Conference, Will fosters innovation by bringing together industry leaders to explore the next frontier of location technology. His insights extend to platforms like the Forbes Technology Council, where he shares forward-thinking ideas on geospatial trends and strategy.

Through his blog, Strategic Geospatial, Will articulates how spatial data is reshaping the digital economy—helping organizations make better decisions through location intelligence.

Deep Roots in Geospatial Science

Will’s academic foundation includes a Master’s in Environmental Remote Sensing and a Bachelor’s in Electronic & Electrical Engineering from the University of Aberdeen. This technical expertise laid the groundwork for a career that spans roles in:

  • Remote sensing and spatial modeling
  • GIS analysis and development
  • Leading teams to build innovative web mapping platforms

Before Sparkgeo, Will held senior roles managing GIS services and leading development teams, where he tackled everything from Landsat imagery analysis to creating open-source geospatial tools.

An Advocate for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Will’s leadership extends to fostering technology and entrepreneurship. As Chair of Hubspace, he supports technology startups in Northern British Columbia, ensuring they thrive in a competitive global market. He also serves as a Venture Advisor for Cultivation Capital’s Geospatial Fund, guiding investments that drive innovation in the geospatial sector.

Why Will Cadell Deserves Celebration

Will Cadell is a driving force in the geospatial industry. By combining technical expertise with business strategy, he’s helped organizations across the globe harness the power of spatial data. His vision, innovation, and ability to communicate the value of geospatial technology make him an inspiring leader in the field.

Thank you, Will, for showing us how geospatial can transform industries, solve challenges, and shape the future 🌍. Your work is paving the way for a smarter, location-driven world.