Humans are hardwired to orient themselves spatially. There was a time when accuracy in this endeavor won territories and filled coffers. Today, spatial information has ruptured the confines of a two dimensional output to capture domains of every conceivable discipline. Nothing is beyond mapping, which perhaps makes geographical information system (GIS) the single most sanguine creation and contribution of the geographer to the world. The technology is still fledging, bouncing on the proverbial knees of techies and satellite scientists, with synergies and patterns waiting to emerge from the enormous amount of data lying ensconced in the super computers around the world. Climate models for example are created on a non-GIS platform that is run on its own advanced algorithms. To start over again is near impossible. Yet, GIS is much like a plug-and-play tool, adapting to every need, swiftly layering information for ready interpretation of complex data sets. Climate models, as many other models around the world, would therefore soon need to bridge the divide and enter the exciting world of GIS. Likewise, big data and artificial intelligence are the next big breakthroughs that will revolutionise the way we use spatial information. However, whether we are comfortable with the enforced scientific nakedness thrust upon us is another debate for another day. This issue celebrates the joy of using GIS to bring relief and mitigate disasters, in the service of millions who inhabit this planet. Enjoy.