#37: From Static Maps to Living Systems: How AI Is Changing Global Mapping with Cliff Allison from TomTom

Maps have been around for thousands of years, but what they represent and how they work is changing faster than ever.In this episode, I’m joined by Cliff Allison, who has spent more than 30 years building enterprise-scale mapping systems for governments and global organizations. Today, he leads government global sales at TomTom, helping bring modern, AI-powered mapping infrastructure to some of the most demanding use cases in the world.We talk about how maps have evolved from static snapshots into living systems that update continuously, how open standards and collaboration made global mapping possible at scale, and why machines are now increasingly interacting with maps and with each other.We also explore what this shift means for defense, intelligence, humanitarian response, and decision-making, and why mapping is no longer just a visualization layer, but a foundational system for understanding and predicting the world.If you work in geospatial, data, AI, or infrastructure, this conversation will change how you think about maps.---Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:🎓 Modern GIS Accelerator: The step-by-step roadmap to master Python, Spatial SQL & Cloud workflows. Stop just "making maps" and start building spatial solutions. 👉 https://forrest.nyc/accelerator/🧪 The Spatial Lab: Join the top 5% of geospatial professionals in our private community. Get access to exclusive courses, mentorship, and the network you need to level up. 👉  https://forrest.nyc/spatial-lab/📰 Daily modern GIS insights: https://forrest.nycCONNECT WITH ME📸 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/matt_forrest/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbforr/📧 Newsletter: https://forrest.nyc🌐 Website: https://forrest.nyc