Open Mapping Initiative Taps Former NGA Director to Bridge Public-Private Geospatial Divide

By Stephanie Lewis

RESTON, VA – Overture Maps Foundation, the ambitious open-source initiative aiming to democratize access to high-quality mapping data, has appointed former National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Director of Geography, William Mortenson, as its new leader. The move signals a strategic push to foster deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors in the rapidly evolving geospatial landscape.

Mortenson’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Overture, which is positioning itself as a collaborative alternative to established commercial mapping giants like Google Maps and HERE Technologies. Unlike these proprietary systems, Overture champions an open-source approach, aggregating data from diverse sources – including crowdsourced contributions, satellite imagery, and commercial datasets – and enhancing it through AI-powered validation and standardization.

“The goal is to simplify the creation of mapping and geolocation applications, offering a more accessible pathway for developers,” said a source familiar with Overture’s strategy. “By combining the strengths of the public and private sectors, we can unlock the full potential of geospatial data for innovation and societal benefit.”

Bridging the Public-Private Divide

Mortenson brings over 25 years of experience leading geospatial modernization efforts within the U.S. government, notably at NGA. His deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in integrating vast and diverse datasets, coupled with his proven ability to build partnerships, makes him ideally suited to lead Overture’s efforts to bridge the gap between public and private geospatial initiatives.

“There’s a growing recognition that collaboration is essential to maximizing the value of geospatial data,” explained another source close to the project. “Mr. Mortenson’s expertise will be invaluable in forging stronger relationships with government agencies, ensuring that Overture’s open data platform aligns with their needs and priorities.”

Overture's approach differs from OpenStreetMap (OSM), another prominent open-source mapping project. While OSM relies heavily on volunteer contributions, Overture aims to integrate high-quality commercial and government data, creating a more comprehensive and standardized dataset suitable for enterprise-level applications. Overture's design incorporates AI and Big Data integration, making it suitable for large-scale business applications, and its flexible licensing encourages broader adoption.

A Growing Market for Geospatial Solutions

The timing of Mortenson’s appointment coincides with a period of rapid growth in the geospatial market. Projections indicate a global market size of $114.64 billion in 2025, soaring to $274.41 billion by 2035, and potentially exceeding $2 trillion within the next decade. Key drivers include the proliferation of location-based services, advancements in AI and machine learning for geospatial analytics, and the increasing availability of satellite imagery and remote sensing technologies.

“Geospatial data is becoming increasingly critical across a wide range of industries,” noted an industry analyst. “From urban planning and transportation to environmental monitoring and disaster response, organizations are realizing the value of location-based insights.”

Expanding Government Engagement

Overture has already begun to gain traction within the public sector, receiving a “GeoGov award” for its contributions to advancing scalable geospatial solutions. The foundation has attracted over 40 organizational members, including Esri, Tripadvisor, and Uber, and has successfully integrated its open data layers into applications like Facebook, Instagram, and TomTom’s Orbus platform.

“We are actively encouraging government agencies to become members and contribute their data,” said a source within Overture. “By fostering greater collaboration, we can create a more robust and reliable geospatial infrastructure that benefits everyone.”

Mortenson’s leadership is expected to accelerate these efforts, leveraging his extensive network within the government to promote the adoption of Overture’s open data platform. His experience at NGA, a key agency responsible for collecting and disseminating geospatial intelligence, will be particularly valuable in ensuring that Overture’s data aligns with national security priorities.

The Rise of Open Data

The appointment of Mortenson aligns with a broader trend toward open data initiatives. Governments and organizations around the world are increasingly recognizing the benefits of making data publicly available, fostering transparency, innovation, and economic growth.

“Open data is not just about access to information; it’s about empowering citizens and businesses to create new solutions and address pressing societal challenges,” said a policy analyst specializing in geospatial data. “Overture is playing a critical role in this movement, making high-quality mapping data accessible to a wider audience.”

By championing an open-source approach and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, Overture is poised to become a leading force in the geospatial landscape, driving innovation and unlocking the full potential of location-based intelligence. The foundation’s recent recognition as a “Next Big Thing in Tech” by Fast Company underscores its disruptive potential and its commitment to shaping the future of mapping. With Mortenson at the helm, Overture is well-positioned to bridge the divide between the public and private sectors and create a more collaborative and accessible geospatial ecosystem for all.