Embedded Files
The Spatial Times
Release Date: 01 January 2026
Editor: Kumbirai Matingo
Theme: The Power of Place: Stories of Impact from Africa’s Spatial Frontier
Publisher: GeoConnect
Format: Digital (Free and Open Access)
About This Issue
About This Issue
The 9th Edition of The Spatial Times explores how place shapes impact — across communities, institutions, and lived experiences. Under the theme “The Power of Place: Stories of Impact from Africa’s Spatial Frontier,” this issue brings together voices from across Africa and beyond to reflect on how geospatial thinking influences development, identity, and change.
This edition moves beyond technical discussion to centre stories grounded in people and place. From community-led mapping initiatives and youth innovation to national geospatial programmes and global advances in Earth observation, the magazine highlights how spatial data becomes meaningful when it connects with lived reality.
Carefully curated and visually driven, this issue reflects GeoConnect’s commitment to open knowledge, youth empowerment, and inclusive storytelling in the geospatial space.
What’s Inside This Edition
What’s Inside This Edition
Editorial reflections on place, impact, and spatial storytelling
Contributor articles from students, professionals, organisations, and practitioners
Africa, Zimbabwe, and Global geospatial news highlights
A featured African destination spotlight
A practical DIY Geospatial Project for readers
Interactive elements, including a geospatial crossword
Visual stories, maps, and photo-driven narratives
Who This Issue Is For
Who This Issue Is For
Students and early-career geospatial professionals
Researchers, planners, and development practitioners
Youth organisations and community mappers
Anyone interested in how geography, data, and people intersect
No prior technical expertise is required — this magazine is designed to be accessible, engaging, and relevant.
Access the Magazine
Access the Magazine
This publication is free to access and share for educational and non-commercial purposes, with appropriate attribution.
The editor has prepared several formats and different compression scales to allow the magazine to be easily read and accessed over the internet.
PDF Format
High and Original Resolution File (Recommended)
Size: 75MB
The file is not compressed where all image quality has been provided as is without alteration.
>>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cVg0hYtQERR-kywinGz6mOjCDh0VzFX3/view?usp=sharing
High Resolution with minimal compression (50%)
Size: 48MB
The file has been compression at a 50% scale. Most images are clear enough but some might be a little distorted for visualisation. Still good for reading and exploring the content.
>>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h8M61qJImj9WkP_hgGMcjCm37PXD9It4/view?usp=sharing
PDF Compressed (75%)
Size: 12MB
The file has been heavily compressed with some image quality reduced and posters not clearly legible. Quality is good for readers with a slow internet connection for a quicker download.
>>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QQDguRa59UqHQnadmeMPAFbdOWMsL2RS/view?usp=sharing
Online Reading and Exploration
No need to download the magazine files to read and explore. You can open the magazine online, read, and even share it around with your colleagues.
>>> https://zwe-geoportal.my.canva.site/the-spatial-times-issue-09
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
We extend our sincere appreciation to all contributors, reviewers, partners, and sponsors who made this edition possible. Special thanks to the authors, photographers, designers, and community voices whose work brings this issue to life.
Get Involved
Interested in contributing to future editions or supporting the magazine?
📩 Subscribe to our Newsletter to receive early releases
🤝 Partner or Sponsor upcoming editions
✍🏽 Contribute stories, visuals, or ideas for future issues
👉 Visit: https://www.geo-connect.org/resources/the-spatial-times
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