Geospatial Solutions
Building Geospatial Capability
Many planning consultancies outsource mapping. That is fine until the workload grows. At that point the external provider becomes a bottleneck, costs go up, and quality goes down. This is when you should build up your own mapping skills.
I work with planning consultancies, developers, surveyors and specialist consultants who want to bring mapping and spatial analysis in-house, rather than relying on third-party suppliers. I focus on a complete, practical Geographic Information System (GIS) setup tailored to your business. I cover everything from software and data through to workflows, documentation and staff QGIS training. The scope of work is under your control, whether it is a quick check of your existing workflows or putting together an entirely new GIS system.
I am a Transport Planning Consultant by trade, not just a GIS specialist. This matters because I understand planning workflows from the inside; what planners actually need on a Monday morning, not what’s technically impressive. Unlike a traditional geospatial services company, my focus is on using GIS as a planning tool that supports your work, not setting up complex systems for the sake of it. The objective is to create an independent GIS function within your organisation. One that supports day-to-day planning work, improves quality, and allows you to develop new services and products aligned with your existing expertise.
When Geospatial Solutions Are Needed
I can help when organisations want to add geospatial skills into their existing workflows, rather than treating mapping as a separate add-on. Common scenarios include:
Inconsistent Mapping Systems
Teams may be producing maps without a defined GIS approach, leading to variations in quality, efficiency and presentation across projects.
Need to Standardise Outputs
Planning consultancies often require structured workflows so mapping can be produced consistently across multiple schemes and team members.
Land & Constraint Assessment
Developers and planning teams may need a GIS system to assess land opportunities against planning constraints and wider spatial context.
What The Service Covers
I provide structured support to design and implement GIS capability that aligns with real planning workflows rather than introducing unnecessary technical complexity.
Capability & Resource Review
Assessment of existing GIS skills, resources and shared working environments to understand current capability and identify practical improvement opportunities.
Stakeholder Requirement Mapping
Engagement with managers and technical teams to understand project needs, workflows and how spatial data is currently used across the business.
Software & Data Selection
Identification of appropriate GIS software, plugins and data sources to ensure systems are aligned with real planning and development requirements.
Workflow Design
Development of structured GIS workflows tailored to your organisation, supporting consistent mapping outputs and efficient day-to-day delivery.
Custom Tools & Automation
Creation of tailored GIS tools and automated processes to reduce repetitive tasks, improve accuracy and increase project delivery efficiency.
Best Practice Frameworks
Establishment of understandable best practice guidance and documentation to support long-term system usability and internal knowledge sharing.
Standard Output Procedures
Creation of standard operating procedures and templates for common mapping outputs to maintain quality and consistency across projects.
Targeted Skills Training
Delivery of focused GIS training to build internal capability and ensure teams can confidently apply new workflows in live planning projects.
How Geospatial Solutions Support Planning Applications
Instead of depending on external providers or generic planning portal outputs, I help organisations take full control of their mapping. A well-designed internal GIS system allows planning context, constraints and site characteristics to be assessed quickly, improving early decision-making and reducing the risk of missed issues.
By creating repeatable workflows, teams can produce high-quality plans, constraint maps and spatial analysis efficiently. This not only reduces reliance on third-party costs but also creates opportunities to develop new planning services and technical outputs. Data, workflows and mapping outputs remain fully within your control, allowing each site to be assessed clearly and consistently.
Consistent Mapping Standards
Maps are produced in a clear house style across projects, helping teams maintain professional, recognisable outputs that support planning submissions and technical reporting.
Automated GIS Workflows
Automation removes repetitive mapping tasks, saving significant time and allowing consultants to focus on interpretation, design advice and project delivery.
GIS Documentation
Documentation supports day-to-day use of GIS systems, helping teams follow established workflows and maintain consistency across planning applications.
Develop GIS Capability
If your organisation is looking to bring mapping and spatial data analysis in-house, I can help you design a structured GIS system that supports real planning workflows and reduces reliance on external providers.