Jason SAWLE

Jason has over twenty five years of experience working with schools and GIS. In 2000 he developed the first Anglo French schools GIS project, funded by the European Union, that focused on understanding and overcoming the barriers that stop schools being successful with GIS. The program delivered GIS software specifically designed for use in schools, along with a wide variety of maps, data and training.

As a spin out from this European project Jason established a new startup company, Digital Worlds, to specialize in developing GIS software and data designed for use by teachers and students. Digital Worlds was eventually purchased by Esri UK in 2009 and Jason joined the company to lead their education work.

At Esri UK he established the successful GIS for Schools program that focused on how different pedagogical models and frameworks could be applied to teaching with GIS. Jason also led on developing the partnership with Black Geographers and the subsequent scholarship program for Black and Black mixed heritage students to study geography or geoscience at undergraduate and postgraduate in the UK. In collaboration with the Learn ArcGIS team at Esri, Jason led the development of the new Teach with GIS Hub site that turned face 2 face teacher training into a digital experience.

In 2021 he joined Esri Inc as the Global Industry Manager for Schools and leads on schools work with the National Geographic Society including the development of the latest version of National Geographic MapMaker.