James O’Brien - Director / Geospatial Solutions Lead

Expertise

  • Geospatial Analysis & Visualisation

  • Cartographic Design

  • Digitial Mapping Solutions

  • Project and Team Management

Summary

James O’Brien is a versatile GIS Consultant, Creative Lead, and Project Manager with over 15 years’ experience at the intersection of technology, design, and geospatial analysis. Founder of Spatial Design Hub, James has delivered innovative, data-driven solutions for clients including Network Rail, PLP Architecture, Momentum Transport, London City Airport, Related Argent, and Deliveroo. His career began developing mapping outputs for the London 2012 Olympic Games, leading to a specialism in GIS for the built environment. James has successfully managed and designed three web-based solutions focused on urban accessibility, 15-minute cities, and micromobility planning. He also led the development of Spatial IQ for Network Rail, creating the Rail Insights system to communicate complex transport model outputs through an interactive web platform. Combining a strong creative vision with technical expertise in GIS and UI/UX design, he excels in transforming complex spatial data into visually compelling, impactful tools for decision-making.

Project Experience

(Rail Insights ) Network Rail Passenger Demand Spatial IQ platform - Product Manager

Spatial Design Hub was engaged to develop a data dashboard visualising Network Rail’s passenger demand data and connections to onward journeys at stations. This user-friendly dashboard provides insights and makes complex data accessible to users of all technical abilities.

Micromobility Planner – Digital platform for Local Authorities planning Micromobility - Product Manager

As Product Manager for the MicroMobility Planner, I directed the development process from inception through to deployment, managing a multidisciplinary team to deliver a comprehensive planning tool for micromobility stakeholders. I maintained oversight of project scope, budget, and delivery schedule, ensuring the final product aligned with client objectives and user needs. Through effective team coordination and clear communication with stakeholders, I delivered a robust platform that integrates data insights with intuitive tools to support optimal deployment strategies, reduce carbon emissions, address transport inequities, and maximise ridership.

Urban Access – SaaS application for PTAL and Liveable Neighbourhoods - Product Manager

As Product Manager for Urban Access, I managed the in-house development of this SaaS platform from initial concept to market launch, overseeing the work of the development team to ensure the product met its functional and technical goals. I maintained tight control over scope, budget, and delivery timelines, ensuring the platform was built to the agreed specification and optimised for the B2B market. By aligning development priorities with commercial objectives, I delivered a robust, user-friendly tool that provides planners with advanced capabilities for transport accessibility, site planning, and assessing key daily needs.

Neom - The Line – Connectivity and Accessibility Study - Geospatial Lead

Spatial Design Hub collaborated as part of an integrated design team, delivering geospatial analysis throughout the masterplanning phase. We conducted comprehensive connectivity analyses and proximity assessments to ensure the proposed masterplan aligned seamlessly with the KPIs outlined in the project brief.

North Pole - Saudi Arabia - 15 minute city and connectivity analysis - Geospatial Lead

Spatial Design Hub played a crucial role in supporting architects throughout the masterplanning process. Leveraging our customised GIS models for 15-minute cities and Transport Accessibility, we supplied architects and transport consultants with data-driven insights. This enabled them to craft a meticulously designed Urban Masterplan that prioritizes accessibility and connectivity.

Kings Cross, London - Solution Lead

Engaged to create a proof-of-concept web application for King’s Cross, London, our team converted CAD drawings into a detailed web app, showcasing POIs and retail, commercial, and office units with essential details like images, descriptions, categories, and opening hours.

London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – LOCOG/ODA – CAD/GIS/Cartography - GIS/ Cartography Lead

My role included sole CAD resource for designing transport operations for all London Venues Wembley Stadium & Arena, Wimbledon, Lords Cricket Grounds, Royal Artillery Barracks, Hampton Court Palace, Brands Hatch, Earls Court, ExCel, Greenwich Park, North Greenwich Arena (O2), Horse Guards Parade, The Mall. I worked with the cartography team creating public facing maps and graphics for Sports Publications, Media Guides, Marketing Partners Guides, Broadcast guides and Press Photo Guides.