What if we could better understand the world's biggest challenges simply by looking at a map? Jack Dangermond, a pioneer in geographic information system (GIS) technology that powers the digital maps people around the world use every day, speaks with TED technology curator Simone Ross about how his team is building a geospatial nervous system: a global, interconnected GIS network that reveals patterns, visualizes trends -- and could transform the way we make decisions about nearly everything.

Jack Dangermond: How a geospatial nervous system could help us design a better future

How a geospatial nervous system could help us design a better future

Esri's innovation in GIS revolutionizes decision-making across sectors by integrating geography and technology for efficiency.

Geodesign, a blend of geography and design, empowers planners with holistic views, optimizing multifactorial decisions for sustainability.

Web GIS, by interconnecting data globally, forms a 'geospatial nervous system', enhancing societal decisions through shared knowledge.