GISCafe Bunker Broadcast: Exclusive Interview with Brant Howard, CEO of CompassCom

CompassCom Celebrates 30 Years of Innovation: A Legacy of Geospatial Excellence

CompassCom CEO Brant Howard recently sat down with Sanjay Gangal from GISCafe’s Bunker Broadcast to discuss the remarkable 30-year journey of the Compass family of businesses. From its humble beginnings as a home-based operation to becoming a global leader in geospatial technology, CompassCom has made a lasting impact on the industry.

A Family Legacy Rooted in Innovation

Founded in 1994, CompassCom started as a Trimble GPS dealership, back when GPS technology was still in its infancy. Recognizing the potential of geospatial technology, Brant and Maggie Howard transitioned the business to focus on GIS-centric telematics, leading to the establishment of CompassCom Software, CompassData, and Acur, its European affiliate. Today, the company’s solutions serve a wide array of industries, including state and local governments, federal defense agencies, utilities, and petrochemical industries.

Key Milestones in Geospatial Technology

Over the past three decades, CompassCom has played a crucial role in advancing GIS, GPS, and wireless technology. The company’s telematics platform, built on an Esri-based mapping engine, provides real-time situational awareness for fleet management, disaster response, and first responders. Strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Motorola, Trimble, Cityworks, and BK Technologies have solidified CompassCom’s position as a trusted provider of mission-critical solutions.

On the CompassData side, the company has amassed an unparalleled Ground Control archive with over 880,000 points worldwide, supporting professionals in photogrammetry, remote sensing, and aerial imagery. Their expertise extends beyond ground control to remote sensing, mobile mapping, and AI-driven innovations in geospatial data.

Expanding Horizons: Global Growth and Future Innovations

As CompassCom continues to grow, global expansion remains a key focus. The company’s European affiliate, Acur, was established to meet the increasing demand for geospatial services in Europe, Africa, and Asia. This strategic move ensures high-quality data collection and faster response times for clients worldwide.

Looking ahead, CompassCom is embracing cutting-edge technologies, including AI and enhanced ground control methodologies, to further improve accuracy and efficiency in geospatial data solutions.

The Next Generation of Leadership

Brant and Maggie Howard’s commitment to innovation has extended to the next generation, with their children, Kate Schlater and Hayden Howard, taking on leadership roles within the company. Their contributions have been instrumental in expanding CompassData’s drone operations, achieving FAA certification for airport mapping, and ensuring the company stays at the forefront of geospatial advancements.

Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence

As CompassCom marks its 30th anniversary, the company remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of geospatial technology. With a strong legacy of innovation, a commitment to quality, and a family-driven culture, CompassCom is poised for continued success in the years to come.

To learn more about CompassCom’s journey and future vision, watch the full interview on GISCafe’s Bunker Broadcast.