Blog
Perspectives on GIS, spatial data, and geospatial strategy from the team at Rose Tinsley Consulting.
What is a map projection? Coordinate systems explained
The Earth is a sphere and your screen is flat. A map projection is the compromise that makes that work, and getting it wrong is the most common source of GIS errors.
What is GIS? A plain-English introduction
GIS connects data to location so you can see patterns, plan projects, and make decisions a spreadsheet can't show you. Here's what it actually is, in plain terms.
Has GIS or no GIS: the only question that decides how you should buy GIS support
There are two reasons an organisation brings in outside GIS help, and they're not the same conversation. One question sorts which one you need, and most disappointing engagements happen because the wrong one got bought.
What does a GIS consultant actually do?
Most people outside GIS assume it's about making maps. The maps are the visible output of a much larger process. Here's what the work actually involves, when to bring someone in, and what to expect from the engagement.
What is a GIL (Fractional GIS Lead)?
A GIL is a Fractional GIS Lead: senior GIS thinking built into your team on a fixed number of days a month, without the cost or lead time of a full-time hire. Here's what the role covers, how it's priced, and when it's the right shape for the problem.
GIS data migration: what to expect and how to prepare
Moving scattered shapefiles, CAD drawings and spreadsheets into a single governed GIS platform is one of the most underestimated projects a team can take on. Here's what the work actually involves, where it goes wrong, and how to prepare.
ArcGIS vs QGIS: an honest comparison for UK organisations
Most organisations asking 'ArcGIS or QGIS?' are really asking a different question: what do we need GIS to do, and what are we willing to spend? Here's an honest breakdown of cost, capability, and fit.
Open data in the UK: what's free, what's useful, what's missing
UK open spatial data covers more ground than it used to, but the free layer and the paid layer are still easy to confuse. Here's what's genuinely open, what's improving fast, and what still needs a licence.
How much does a GIS consultant cost?
Day rates, fixed-price packages, and retainers explained, with real UK figures rather than a 'contact us for pricing' wall.
What to screen for when you hire GIS in 2026
Most GIS job descriptions and interview processes are years out of date. Here's what actually separates a useful GIS hire from an expensive one.
In-house GIS team vs outsourced consultant: how to decide
Hire or outsource? The answer depends on whether the work is ongoing or project-based, and whether you need specialist skills you can justify full-time.
Renewable energy site selection with GIS: how the constraint analysis actually works
The spatial logic behind renewable energy site selection is consistent across technologies. The constraint layers are not. Here is how GIS-based constraint analysis works, and where solar, wind, and battery storage differ.
GIS for small businesses: tools, use cases, and where to start
GIS is not just for large infrastructure projects. Here's how small businesses can use free tools and open data to make smarter decisions about customers, operations, and growth.
Powering Local Authority Digital Ambition
How GIS can translate national vision to practical delivery.
Essex: Local Government Reorganisation
What data challenges face the county in the journey to restructuring?
Synativ: AI for high quality data
Whilst our jobs as GIS professionals should begin with a workable data set, we all understand that some additional data preparation is an essential part of the process.
Geocoding explained: what it is and which tools to use
Geocoding turns addresses into map coordinates. Here's how it works, which tools are worth using, and when each option makes sense for your project.
The strategy gap in most GIS teams
Most GIS teams have the tools and the talent. What's missing is a clear strategy and someone to implement it. Here's why that gap matters and when it's time to bring in outside help.
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Company News
Rose Tinsley Consulting joins the AGI
Rose Tinsley Consulting is now a member of the Association for Geographic Information, the UK's professional body for the geospatial sector.
Rose Tinsley Consulting joins the FSB
After attending an FSB networking event in Chelmsford, we decided to become members of the Federation of Small Businesses.
Introducing Rose Tinsley Consulting
Whether you're a government agency, a private company, or a non-profit, we know how critical location-based data is to making smart, informed decisions.