Charles has been Esri UK’s CTO since 2008, bringing 25 years of experience delivering Geospatial projects of all scales across multiple sectors. Charles’ deep understanding of the application of geography helps him find ways of making GIS accessible to ordinary users in wide-ranging environments, from consumer mapping to enterprise and business critical systems. He is committed to reducing barriers to the use of geospatial techniques across society. Charles first encountered Geospatial systems whilst working in the planning department of a local authority, immediately realising the value that Geospatial brings to planning decisions, that are sustainable both for communities and the environment. He is passionate about empowering the next generation of planners, through the application of geography.