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The Ozark PodcastThe Ozark Podcast sits down with men and women from around the Ozarks that have a passion for the outdoors. Author: Kyle Veit & Kyle Plunkett
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our guests and the information they share are especially relevant to men and women in northern Arkansas, southern Missouri, eastern Oklahoma, and southeast Kansas. Language: en Genres: Nature, Science, Sports, Wilderness Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Ep. 206 - Curtis Copeland - How GIS Data and Mapping Can (If Used Wisely) Help Conserve the Ozarks
Wednesday, 4 March, 2026
→ Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler What if the map on your phone isn’t just showing you reality… but shaping it? In Part 2 with Curtis Copeland (GIS manager, cartographer, and co-host of Ozark Folk Chronicles) we dive deep into the hidden power behind maps. From OnX hunting layers and lidar data to property boundaries and Google Earth, this episode unpacks how digital mapping influences how we hunt, fish, build, conserve, and even define the Ozarks themselves. If you use trail cams, depth finders, AllTrails, or drop pins before a public land hunt, this conversation will completely change how you see the world. Curtis explains why maps are interpretive, not neutral, how data is gathered (from aerial lidar to crowdsourcing), and why companies like OnX depend on massive public and private datasets. We talk about mental maps, the Age of Discovery, political boundaries, bathymetry from fishing electronics, and how GIS can either expose fragile swimming holes or protect entire watersheds. This episode is about stewardship as much as technology, how better data can lead to better conservation in the Ozarks, if we use it wisely. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure 00:00 Maps have an agenda 12:00 How software like OnX collects its data 27:00 From mental to data-based mapping 34:00 Ozarkers vs. Ozarkians 44:00 How does all of this inform good land stewardship? 51:00 Illinois River watershed data What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
