I think the best advice I could offer developers would be to stay in sync with current real-world issues. Then, search for opportunities, data, and technology platforms that would lend to solving these issues, or at a minimum getting society to think about these issues.
What is your vision for the future of technology-driven environmental projects, particularly those involving maps?
An area of focus I am currently exploring/implementing is in the realm of indoor mapping. In this case, way back in 2010, I entered an app into a hackathon and ended up jordan telegram screening winning. It turned out that this app (Floor Plan Mapper) was a pretty good idea. So, I turned it into a business. This project is certainly evolving and is a great testimony to the merits of a hackathon.
Are there any upcoming projects or areas of focus in your mission to continually make the world a better place with maps?
The future of technology-driven environmental projects is looking pretty good. As more and more open data comes online, and mapping technology platforms evolve, maps as a medium will become more pervasive and digestible.