From Prague to Berkeley to Nairobi to Kyiv, The Geography of Hope tells the stories of optimists who map the world to a better future.

The Geography of Hope introduces readers to people who are changing the world, using “the most important technology you’ve probably never heard of.” Nine topical stories include radical AI-driven changes in national intelligence, more transparent policing, a father-daughter duo fighting for fair elections, protecting democracy in Eastern Europe, removing deadly explosives across the world after conflicts, and how we can improve K-12 education. This book puts human faces to geographic information system (GIS) mapping and technology in a real-world way that hasn’t been done before.

Former National Audubon Society CEO and award-winning writer and photographer David Yarnold traveled the world to tell new stories: how GIS is helping to create “conservation for and by Africans” to meet the challenges of climate change and threats to wildlife; and how well-known businesses around the world are becoming more profitable through their use of GIS.

Yarnold reveals the GIS all around us in a non-technical way with relatable stories of families, leadership, and collaboration.

• National Geographic-quality full-color photos and illustrations throughout


• Layperson’s explanation of GIS


• Nine compelling events-driven stories of diverse optimists and achievers who are making a difference