Stop Guessing. Pick Your Roadmap.

The road from "Desktop User" to "Cloud Architect" is steep, winding, and dangerous to walk alone. The Spatial Lab is the only accelerator that provides the proven path and the community to guide you through every step of the climb.

Pick Your Path

Matt is dedicated to upskilling those who have left university a long time ago to keep up with what is being taught nowadays.

Wilfred

The Spatial Lab lays out multiple learning paths and the interactive components facilitate productive dialogue among a diverse group of lab members mutually seeking understanding and growth in this space.

Brandon

I am brand new to using AI in GIS and I wasn't sure how well I would be able to follow the workflows but everything was presented in an easily digestible format. I feel confident in using what I have learned and building from it.

Hannah
The Road Ahead

The Industry Has Shifted

For decades, value was defined by how well you knew the buttons in a GUI. But today? "Button pushing" is being ruthlessly commoditized by AI.

You don’t need more content. The internet is drowning in free content. You are drowning in context-switching.

You need a GPS. You need a tribe of peers who are in the trenches with you. You need The Spatial Lab.

The Explorer

wants to move beyound being the "Forever Intern," locked out by job postings demanding 5 years of experience for entry-level pay.

The Builder

is stuck in "GUI Hell," manually cleaning data at 3 AM because they don't know the script to automate it.

The Architect

is terrified of the "URGENT" message, building fragile systems that will collapse if they take a vacation.

The Strategist

is being asked about AI and ROI by the C-Suite and needs to deliver the answers.

THE PATHS

The Spatial Lab is a transformation engine.

Most communities try to be everything to everyone. We know you are at a specific stage in your journey. Choose the tier that solves your current problem.

"I need to break in."

The Explorer Starter

You have the theory, but you need the job. You’re fighting the "Experience Paradox" - you need a job to get experience, but experience to get a job.

 

Stop collecting certificates and start building a portfolio that forces employers to pay attention.

Select Starter
  • The Transformation

    From "Learner" to "Employed Professional."

  • The Roadmap

    Start with the Foundations of Modern GIS to understand spatial thinking. Understand how to master the workflow from desktop to web GIS and produce repeatable workflows. Design your ideal role, build projects to get there, and land your dream role.

  • The Bricks

    Building blocks to help you get there and go deep: Essential QGIS (Without Breaking It), Land Your Job Fast Track, Spatial Data 101

  • AI Advantage

    Use AI for "Outreach Automation" and generating "Project Outlines."

"I need to stop doing this manually."

The Builder Build

You have the job, but you’re stuck in "GUI Hell." You’re repeating the same manual tasks every week.

 

You know code is the answer, but you’re too burnt out to learn it. We will give you the scripts to reclaim your time.

Select Builder
  • The Transformation

    From "Button Pusher" to "Automation Engineer."

  • The Roadmap

    Start by learning how to scale with modern GIS - how to use what and when building on what you already know. Move into Python as an orchestrator and processing tool and master the web of libraries. Dive deep into spatial SQL as a scaler and break past limits.

  • The Bricks

    Building blocks to help you get there and go deep: Spatial SQL Tools and Systems, Python Deep Dive, Automation for Modern GIS, and Learning Spatial SQL Fast.

  • AI Advantage

    "AI to SQL," "Error Management," and "Using VSCode with AI."

"I need to build for scale."

The Architect Scale

You know Python. You know SQL. Now you’re dealing with terabytes of data, cloud migrations, and fragile pipelines.

 

You need system design, cloud architecture, and data engineering principles to build systems that don't crash at night.

Select Scale
  • The Transformation

    From "Coder" to "System Architect."

  • The Roadmap

    Manage modern ETL with tools like Airflow. Build resilient data workflows using best practices for Data Engineering. Design data contracts and deliver data from GIS systems to AI workflows and web applications.

  • The Bricks

    Building blocks to help you get there and go deep: Spatial Data Engineering, Raster Analytics (Cloud-Native), Systems Architecture for Modern Geospatial, Web Development for GIS.

  • AI Advantage

    "AI to SQL," "Error Management," and "Using VSCode with AI."

"I need to lead and prove ROI."

The Strategist Lead

You are a Manager, Director, or VP. You aren't writing code; you're writing the future of your department.

 

You need to justify budgets, manage talent, and define the AI strategy for your organization.

Select Lead
  • The Transformation

    From "Manager" to "Executive Visionary."

  • The Roadmap

    Create resilient systems to drive KPIs and control for costs. Think like a product expert and develop products that deliver against outcomes. Build and nurture top geospatial talent and partner with stakeholders and customers to make spatial inevitable.

  • The Bricks

    Building blocks to help you get there and go deep: Spatial Product Management, Designing Outcomes with Geospatial, System Architecture, Creating a Geo AI Strategy

  • AI Advantage

    "AI Prototyping," "Enabling Your Team with AI," "Product Management with AI."

The Community

Labmates. Your new average

They say you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. If you hang out with button-pushers, you remain a button-pusher.

In The Spatial Lab, you aren't debugging alone, you are surrounded by the top 5% of spatial practitioners worldwide.

01.

Live Events

Stop watching stale tutorials. Join live, tactical workshops with industry leaders who are actively building the modern stack. We don't do "slide decks", we look at code, architecture, and real-world problems, together.

  • Monthly Mini Deep Dives
  • Regular Guest Events
  • Technology Tear Downs
  • Bi-Weekly Office Hours

02.

Sprints

Knowledge without action is just trivia. Sprints are focused, cohort-based member-led challenges designed to drive momentum as a group. Whether it's building a portfolio piece or deploying an API, you’ll do it in 14 days alongside a team that won't let you quit.

  • Coding Challenges
  • Project Builds
  • Technology Implimentations

03.

Masterminds

These are closed-door, confidential strategy sessions where we solve high-stakes problems. Member-led and designed these are long running groups around topics we decide on.

  • Launching Soon

04.

Forums & Chat

The "Stack Overflow" from people you trust. Shared chats and discussions across all levels mean you get unstuck instantly. Junior devs get mentorship; Senior devs get fresh perspectives. No gatekeeping, just good ideas.

  • Topics and Technology
  • Data and Tools
  • No Question Too Small
The Solution

This isn't a course. This is a roadmap.

The Spatial Lab is a transformation engine. We don’t just teach you tools; we upgrade your operating system as a professional.

This is how it works.

Start Your Path

Pick your path

Decide on the right tier for you. Or take the quiz below to find the best fit.

Personalized onboarding and fast time to value

Get a personalized plan to help you reach your goals faster and guide you through your first steps.

Move fast with your Roadmap

Stop guessing what to learn next. We provide linear, step-by-step tracks. Whether you need to get hired, automate your workflow, or architect a cloud solution, you simply follow the path.

Bricks to go fast and dive deep

No more 20-hour courses you never finish. Bricks are high-impact modules designed to be consumed in one sitting. 4 practical lessons with simple practical exercises.

Swipe files to help you get specific

TikTok-style, rapid-fire concepts for the busy professional. Learn a new concept while your code compiles.

Manageable AI to go fast

We don't fear the robots; we manage them. We teach you how to use AI to generate boilerplate code, write outreach emails, and prototype pipelines so you can focus on the high-value strategy.

The Paths

Choose your transformation

Most communities try to be everything to everyone. We know you are at a specific stage in your journey. Choose the tier that solves your current problem.

Starter

You have the theory, now make the leap to being in-demand.

$ 9 /month
  • Solidify Your Foundations
  • Master Modern Skills
  • Build a Portfolio that Hires
  • Automate the Job Hunt
Launch Your Career
BUILD

Move from click to code, and learn the skills to make the leap.

$ 39 /month
  • Escape the Technician Trap
  • Master Spatial SQL and Python
  • Grow and Scale
  • Make the Leap
Automate Your Work
SCALE

You know Python and SQL. Now make the leap to building systems.

$ 79 /month
  • Orchestrate Everything at Scale
  • True Data Engineering
  • Architect Real Systems
  • Cloud-Native with Confidence
Build For Scale
LEAD

You'er writing more than code; you're writing the future of your department.

$ 149 /month
  • Prove the ROI
  • Lead High-Performance Teams
  • Define the AI Strategy
  • Break the Geospatial Silo
Lead The Strategy
"EARLY ADOPTER" PRICING

Transparency Alert: We are building this engine in real-time.

The Spatial Lab is a living ecosystem. We are releasing new Bricks, Roadmaps, and Sprints every single week. This means that while the core pillars are solid, some advanced modules are still in production.

 

The Early Adopter Advantage

Because the library is still growing, we have set the current prices significantly lower than their final retail value.

 

The Trade-off: You might have to wait for a specific module to drop.

 

The Benefit: You lock in today's price forever.

As we fill the content library, subscription prices will increase for new members. But as an Early Adopter, your rate is frozen in time. If you join at $19/month, you stay at $19/month.

Lock in

Starter

  • Roadmap
    IN PROGRESS
  • Bricks
    PLANNED
  • Swipes
    PLANNED
  • Managable AI
    PLANNED

1. Foundations of GIS

- Modern Spatial Thinking
- Spatial Data Types (And Where To Find Them)
- Designing Spatial Analysis
- Understanding the Tools & Systems
- Creating Impactful Outputs

2. Learning Modern GIS

- QGIS Core Quickstart
- Automation & Reproducability in QGIS
- Storage & Project Organization
- Publishing and Modern Web GIS
- Designing a Complete Workflow

3. Landing Your Role

- Designing Your Ideal Role (And How To Get It)
- Designing a Targeted 80/20 Portfolio
- Target Companies and Outreach
- Interviews & Final Steps

C: Foundations of Spatial Thinking

Q: Essential QGIS (Without Breaking It)

F: Portfolio 101

H: Land Your Job Fast Track

D: Spatial Data 101

Build

  • Roadmap
    LIVE
  • Bricks
    IN PROGRESS
  • Swipes
    PLANNED
  • Managable AI
    PLANNED

1. Scaling Your Modern GIS

- What Breaks a GIS (And How Not To) - When and How to Add SQL & Python - Easy Wins (with Formats, Small Data, and Processing to Fit)
- Your GIS as a Hub
- Using the Web to Scale and Share

2. Python in Modern GIS

- Using Python as an Orchestrator
- Critical Libraries & Environment Management
- Python, Fast
- GeoPandas and Rasterio
- The Other Libraries (and When to Use Them)

3. Spatial SQL

- SQL as a Force Multiplier
- The Tools (And When You Need Them)
- SQL Core (the 80/20)
- Spatial: Constructors, Relationships, Analysis
- Transactional, Analytical, and Processing (What & When)

S: Spatial SQL Tools & Systems

P: Python Deep Dive: Language, Libraries, and What to Use, When

K: Simple Scaling for GIS

J: Automation for GIS

Scale

  • Roadmap
    IN PROGRESS
  • Bricks
    LIVE
  • Swipes
    PLANNED
  • Managable AI
    PLANNED

1. Formats, Orchestration, Transformation

- Managing ETL (The Modern Way)
- Designing Your Formats & Storage
- Choosing a Catalog (or Not)
- Orchestration (What To Do & Not Do)
- Designing Data Contracts & Governance

2. Processing, Analytics, and Scalable Data

- Designing a Complete Data Layer
- Processing, Analytics, Transactional Tools (and How They Fit)
- Integrating Raster and Climate Data
- Silver Layers, Gold Layers, and Data Marts
- Connecting the Upstream Services

3. Delivery and Outcome Design

- Required Outputs and Business Requirements (AKA KPIs)
- BI Dashboard & Analytics Tools
- Applications (Web & Mobile)
- GIS Systems
- Data Science/Analytics/ML

G: Spatial Data Science

M: ML with Spatial Data

E: Spatial Data Engineering

R: Raster Analytics

Z: Array Based Formats

W: Web Development for GIS

Lead

  • Roadmap
    IN PROGRESS
  • Bricks
    LIVE
  • Swipes
    PLANNED
  • Managable AI
    PLANNED

1. System Design Thinking

- Picking the Right Pieces
- Understanding Organizational Constraints
- Cost Control & Balancing Expectations
- Driving Critical KPIs (With and Without Maps)
- Designing a Robust & Modern System Approach 

2. Product Design & Outcomes

- Product Design Thinking for Geospatial
- Product Management Crash Course - Designing Your Ideal Outcome
- Customer Centric Design
- The Common Geospatial Product Mistakes

3. Building Spatial Teams

- Understanding Your Talent Needs
- Building for the Right Roles (For You)
- Designing a Spatial Organization
- Partnering with Stakeholders (Internal and External)
- Hiring, Finding, and Developing Talent

P: Product Management

A: System Architecture

B: Leadership, Communication, Strategy

X: Designing Outcomes

Z: Spatial Entrepreneurship

Find your path

Still not sure?

Take the quiz to figure out the path that is right for you.

Hi, I’m Matt Forrest

I started the Spatial Lab because I know how isolating and frustrating it can be to learn modern GIS on your own—especially when most of the field still clings to outdated tools and workflows.

Over the years, I’ve built open-source geospatial projects, helped launch cutting-edge products, and worked with some of the top data teams in the world. But the most rewarding part has always been helping others navigate the same path—sharing what I’ve learned, the mistakes I’ve made, and the tools that actually work.

The Spatial Lab was created to give you a place to learn those tools, build real projects, and grow your career—with a supportive, ambitious community right alongside you.

I can’t wait to see where this takes you. My goal is for you to look back one day and say, “Joining the Spatial Lab was the moment everything changed.”

Let’s build what’s next—together.

FAQs

Questions? We're glad you asked

Everything inside Spatial Lab is something you could learn on your own. There are no secret hacks or hidden formulas.

What you’re getting here is focus, structure, and momentum—without the endless searching, second-guessing, or going it alone.

The value isn’t just in the content. It’s in the curation, community, and clarity that helps you grow faster and more confidently. If that sounds like what you’ve been looking for, I’d love to welcome you inside.

And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Spatial Lab is a private learning and collaboration space for modern geospatial professionals. It’s part community, part learning platform, and part advisory circle. Inside, you’ll find curated tutorials, full courses, live events, mentorship, and thoughtful discussion—all centered on helping you stay relevant, sharpen your skills, and grow your career using the modern spatial stack.

This isn’t a traditional course or a noisy Slack group. It’s a long-term space to learn, connect, and lead—built for those who are serious about their craft.

A course ends. Spatial Lab evolves with you.

While you get access to full flagship courses like Foundations of Modern GIS and Modern GIS Accelerator, the real value of Spatial Lab is in the ongoing structure and support. New tools and workflows are emerging all the time—and this is where we stay current together.

You’ll benefit from weekly live sessions, new tutorials, project feedback, personalized guidance, and a peer group who can help you push further than you could on your own.

If you’re a mid-career or senior GIS professional, a technical lead, a freelancer, or someone transitioning into the modern spatial world, you’ll likely feel right at home. This space was designed for people who already know the fundamentals and are ready to level up—whether that means learning new tools like Airflow, Iceberg, and Sedona, shifting from Esri to open stacks, or navigating bigger career moves.

If you’re brand new to GIS, this might feel a bit advanced. But if you’ve got experience and ambition, we’re here for it.

You don’t need more time. You need less noise and more clarity.

Spatial Lab is designed to help you grow with as little as 1 hour per week. Every tutorial, event, and thread is curated to deliver maximum impact without overwhelming you with content.

And because this is a community, you’re not doing it alone. The structure, support, and curation are here to help you move forward—without the burnout.

There’s no such thing as falling behind here.

This isn’t a cohort with deadlines or a course with expiration dates. You can drop in when you have time, catch up on replays, and dive into the parts that matter most to you. The content is always available, and the Lab is designed to support your pace, not pressure you into someone else’s.

Membership includes:

  • Access to all live events and event replays

  • Full access to Foundations of Modern GIS, Modern GIS Accelerator, and all future courses

  • New mini tutorials every month (Airflow, Sedona, Iceberg, etc.)

  • Weekly Office Hours and Hot Seats with Matt Forrest

  • A private discussion forum with curated topic threads and project sharing

  • Mentorship matching with fellow members

  • Access to Tiley, the Lab’s AI assistant who helps you navigate everything

  • First look at new tools, templates, and content before they’re released elsewhere

  • Direct access to Matt via DMs and forum responses

We review applications weekly to ensure that members align with the Lab’s values and goals. We're not looking for experts—we're looking for people who are serious about growing, sharing, and contributing to a thoughtful, high-signal space.

If you’re accepted, you’ll receive an invite to join within a few days, along with immediate access to everything inside.

Membership is $49/month or $499/year. You can cancel at any time.

If you think about the cost in terms of time saved, strategic insight gained, and access to a network of sharp peers—it’s a small investment for a big leap in your career and capabilities.

Yes, and many members do. Spatial Lab qualifies as professional development or technical training for most employers. We can provide receipts and custom documentation if needed—just reach out after joining.

You will get an email with your new account to acces the Lab. Just log in and set up your account with a new password.

Easy—just send a message. I am happy to help you figure out if Spatial Lab is the right fit. No pressure, no gimmicks—just honest answers.