In this episode of Pathfinders, we sit down with James Britton, a cornerstone of Canada's GIS community, whose career spans over half a century. James takes us on a journey from his childhood passion for maps to shaping foundational GIS programs and leading impactful initiatives across Ontario. He reflects on how GIS helps people "make sense of space and location" while emphasizing the importance of fundamentals, adaptability, and collaboration in an evolving industry. "GIS is about helping people figure out place," he shares. This conversation is both nostalgic and forward-looking, offering timeless wisdom for anyone passionate about geography, mapping, and innovation.
"Every great GIS project starts with a simple question: why do we need this, and who does it serve?"
About
James Britton is a leader in the Canadian GIS industry, known for his instrumental role in building and advancing GIS education and foundational mapping programs. With decades of experience, James has contributed to the development of key mapping frameworks and processes, including his work in government on Ontario's foundational data layers. A former educator at Fleming College, James helped establish one of Canada’s premier GIS programs. His career is a testament to fostering innovation, collaboration, and a deep respect for the fundamentals of mapping and data.
P.A.T.H.
Passion
James' passion for maps began early, inspired by storybooks with illustrated maps and the practical use of maps by his family. “Maps were critical to figuring out my world,” he recalls. This childhood curiosity became a lifelong love for helping people make sense of space. From paper maps to digital GIS systems, James believes that “where matters,” whether it’s routing an Uber or navigating vast data landscapes. His passion for teaching and supporting end-users has been central to his career, fostering an appreciation for the power of location across industries.
Action
James has turned his passion into impactful actions, particularly in GIS education and government foundational mapping. As part of Fleming College’s GIS program team, James played a pivotal role in creating a curriculum that influenced generations of GIS professionals worldwide. In his current role with the Ontario government, James leads efforts to provide foundational layers like roads, water features, and elevation data—critical resources that power countless applications. He highlights how government GIS teams have shifted to “put the user first,” ensuring data and tools meet the practical needs of stakeholders across sectors.
Tenacity
Building GIS programs and systems hasn’t always been easy. James reflects on the early days of cartography, where tools were rudimentary, processes were time-consuming, and data access was limited. He shares how his team at Fleming College persevered to adapt curriculums to rapidly changing technology, a task he compares to “just-in-time delivery.” James also emphasizes the importance of resilience in today’s evolving GIS landscape, reminding us that innovation must always be practical and deliver real value. “We argued, we pushed forward, but it was always about moving the technology and processes forward,” he reflects.
Humility
Throughout his career, James has been humbled by the brilliance of his colleagues, students, and end-users. “The learning happens when people engage and make things better,” he shares. His experiences teaching and working globally—such as helping rudimentary GIS systems transform lives in the South Pacific—reaffirmed his belief in collaboration and listening to users’ needs. James acknowledges that while GIS tools have become powerful, the fundamentals of data quality, precision, and control remain essential to delivering meaningful results.
Final Thought
James leaves us with a powerful reminder: “Always be open to new ideas, but never forget the fundamentals.” He encourages GIS professionals to remain passionate, practical innovators who focus on helping others navigate the complexities of space and place. Whether you’re just starting your GIS career or leading impactful projects, James’ advice resonates: “Find what you’re passionate about, keep learning, and make a difference.”
Contact
To contact James , you can reach out on LinkedIn
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