Tarin’s Kim Koons discusses future of the geospatial data business in Canada

June 28, 2018 | Written by: Tarin Resource Services Ltd.

A GIS is not much use without the data. GoGeomatics turns our attention to Tarin Resource Services in order to share another Canadian geospatial success story. We welcome Kim Koons co-owner of Tarin a leading Canadian owned and operated geospatial data business to the community.

Jonathan Murphy: Hi Kim, and thanks for taking the time to share the Tarin Resource Services story with the Canadian geospatial community. We like to start off by getting to know you and Tarin a bit better.

Kim Koons: Hi Jon, thanks for setting up this interview.

Jonathan Murphy: Can you tell us about yourself. How did you get involved in the geospatial sector first as a career and now as a successful business owner?

Kim Koons: I was born and raised in Northern Manitoba and ended up in the “data game” because of my love of photography. When I went to the University of Winnipeg back in the early 90’s I wasn’t sure where I was headed as far as a career was concerned. As I sat in the registrar’s office studying the calendar I noticed classes called “Aerial Photography”. I mentioned my interest to the counselor and 4 years later I graduated with a BA in Geography and Political Science. My first job after University was with a small GIS company – they had one client – the Town of Morris. The plan was to then attract other towns, but these were the early days of GIS and no one was ready. At this time, I started with a small mapping company and received my advanced diploma in GIS from Red River Community College. I was lucky I came through school before the digital age really began in earnest and was able to learn basic cartographic skills and conventional aerial photo techniques. I moved to Alberta looking for new opportunities in 1999 and since then I have worked in various photogrammetric mapping shops and aerial photo companies, and taught GIS and photogrammetry at SAIT. While I have been called an “imagery guru” my real love is making maps….. click here to read the full article.