About

Doing good work, in the right way.

More than 25 years at the intersection of geospatial technology, land-use research, and capacity building — offered in service of communities, organizations, and partners working with the land.

Who we are.

Overstory Mapping & Research was created as a way to bring more than 25 years of experience in geospatial work, land-use research, and capacity building into service of others. After decades of working alongside Indigenous communities, non-profits, governments, and partners around the world, the company was created as a way to offer this experience to others.

The motivation behind Overstory is simple: to do good work, in the right way. This includes supporting learning and capacity building, sharing knowledge openly, and working collaboratively.

Overstory strives to go beyond standard consulting approaches. This means investing in relationships, taking responsibility for the long-term implications of the work, and ensuring that projects are useful beyond their immediate timelines. The goal is to do work that is aligned with the priorities and values of those it serves.

Geospatial specialist reviewing drone imagery and spatial data on a laptop during fieldwork

“Our work starts with relationships.”

Overstory Mapping & Research

Team.

Get to know who you’ll partner with.

  1. Geospatial Specialist & Strategic Advisor

    Pano.

    With over two decades of experience at the intersection of geospatial technology, land rights, and community-driven research, I founded Overstory Mapping & Research to offer specialized geospatial services to Indigenous communities, non-profits, governments, and industry partners. My work is grounded in a commitment to ethical data use, participatory methods, and building long-term capacity.

    In my current role as Senior Manager for Strategic Projects at the Cadasta Foundation, I lead global partnerships and programs that support Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in mapping, documenting, and securing their land and resource rights. This includes integrating innovative tools to support land stewardship and climate resilience. I’ve helped shape training curricula, data governance protocols, and sustainability strategies used by partners in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Canada.

    Previously, I served as Senior Project Manager at Inlailawatash, where I helped build a nationally recognized GIS and information management team supporting dozens of Indigenous Nations. I also founded PacificUAV, providing drone mapping and training services, and have served as a long-time Indigenous use and occupancy researcher, leading mapping studies to inform land use planning and rights negotiations.

    Other roles include coordinating GIS and cultural mapping for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, instructing drone stewardship programs through the First Nations Technology Council, and contributing to marine mapping initiatives in Haida Gwaii.

    I bring a blend of technical skill, cross-cultural experience, and a passion for collaborative, values-driven work.

    Portrait of Pano.
  2. GIS & Remote Sensing Specialist

    Maya.

    Maya is a GIS and remote sensing specialist with four years of experience using spatial data to support environmental research and organizational strategy. She holds a Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management from the University of British Columbia, a Master of Arts in Human Geography from the University of Guelph, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences from McGill University.

    After graduating from UBC, Maya worked for two years in UBC’s Landscape Ecology Lab, using satellite imagery to study relationships between forests, landscapes, and human wellbeing. Her interdisciplinary background, combined with consulting experience in the private sector and international community work, enables her to translate complex geospatial and scientific information into practical insights that serve client needs across various industries. Above all, Maya is passionate about telling stories through maps and mobilizing data to empower communities and organizations.

    Portrait of Maya.
  3. Administration

    Lindsay.

    Lindsay is happiest working behind the scenes — handling administration and bookkeeping to help keep Overstory running smoothly. She brings organization, clarity, and a steady presence to every task, supporting the team in ways that help their work shine.

    Before joining Overstory, Lindsay owned and operated her own business, an experience that strengthened her appreciation for strong systems, clear communication, and well-structured operations. These skills shape the thoughtful support she provides each day.

    Outside of work, she is an active community volunteer. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for a local charity and regularly contributes her time to her children’s clubs and other local initiatives. Giving back and helping build a connected, supportive community remain ongoing priorities for her.

    Whether she’s streamlining processes, balancing books, or contributing to community programs, Lindsay is driven by the satisfaction of supporting people and organizations from behind the scenes.

    Portrait of Lindsay.

Work with us.

If our values and the way we work resonate with yours, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch