
Fathom Studio’s Approach to Data‑Driven Planning
From Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada by Esri Canada
March 19, 2026 · 26 min
About this episode
This episode explores how GIS is transforming community planning and design through data-driven approaches.
In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake sits down with Darian Shakerinia from Fathom Studio to explore how GIS is shaping the next generation of community planning and design. We discuss how GIS bridges the gap between conceptual design and real-world implementation, enabling planners to understand context, identify opportunities and navigate constraints with clarity. Darian shares real project examples, from land suitability analysis to an AI-driven parking study, illustrating how tools like drone imagery, aerial data and ArcGIS Pro’s object detection capabilities can transform workflows and uncover insights that traditional methods might miss. Whether you're curious about the technology shaping today’s communities or looking for inspiration in your own spatial practice, this episode highlights how geography remains at the heart of thoughtful, resilient design.
People in this episode
Host: Michelle Brake
Guest: Darian Shakerinia
Topics covered
- GIS
- community planning
- data-driven design
- spatial analysis
- technology in planning
Keywords
- GIS
- community planning
- design
- land suitability analysis
- AI-driven parking study
- drone imagery
- aerial data
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Fathom Studio
Products: ArcGIS Pro
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