When Dwayne Fields—polar explorer, UK Chief Scout, and former OS Champion—stepped into Geovation’s Shackleton meeting room, it was more than a meeting of explorers. The occasion drew parallels between Fields’ inspiring work and the enduring legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton, and reminded us how Geovation continues to support innovators using location data to tackle today’s environmental challenges.

Explorer and UK Chief Scout Dwayne Fields stepped into Geovation’s Shackleton meeting room earlier this summer, and the setting couldn’t be more fitting: a modern-day adventurer meeting in a room named after one of history’s greatest explorers. Here was a modern-day adventurer who had not only followed in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton—literally, in 1910s polar gear to the South Pole—but who also embodies the same grit, leadership, and transformative spirit that Shackleton is celebrated for.

From Adversity to Advocacy

Born in Jamaica and raised in inner-city London, Dwayne’s early life was marked by adversity. He survived both knife and gun crime before a life-changing decision set him on a path of exploration and advocacy. In 2010, he became the first Black Briton to walk over 400 nautical miles to the Magnetic North Pole. His mission? To challenge stereotypes and inspire young people—especially those from urban communities—to connect with nature and discover their own resilience.

Dwayne’s work with Ordnance Survey as an OS Champion exemplifies this ethos. In 2018, he led the Street2Peak initiative, taking six young Londoners on a life-changing expedition to climb Ben Nevis. The project, featured on BBC’s The One Show, was about more than reaching a summit—it was about instilling self-worth, confidence, and a sense of possibility.

Shackleton’s Legacy

His recent visit to Geovation, where he met with OS Head of Multimedia Andy Steggall, was a moment of reflection and recognition. The Shackleton room, named in honour of the legendary Antarctic explorer, pays tribute to the enduring legacy of those who dared to chart the unknown. Shackleton’s 1914–1916 Endurance expedition, during which he led his crew to safety after their ship was crushed by ice, remains one of the greatest survival stories of all time. His leadership under pressure, optimism in adversity, and unwavering commitment to his team continue to inspire leaders across disciplines.

In fact, 2024 marked the 150th anniversary of Shackleton’s birth, commemorated with a memorial plaque at Westminster Abbey and global tributes to his legacy. His story resonates today not just in polar circles, but in boardrooms, classrooms, and community spaces—where resilience, adaptability, and purpose are more vital than ever.

At Geovation, we honour explorers past and present—not only through our meeting room names, but through our mission to support innovators who use geospatial data to solve real-world problems. Dwayne’s journey from the streets of London to the poles of the Earth is a testament to the power of location, navigation, and environmental awareness to transform lives. His work with the WeTwo Foundation continues this legacy, offering underprivileged youth the chance to engage in citizen science and carbon-conscious expeditions.

Exploration, Innovation, and Impact

Geovation is proud to be a space where such trailblazers are recognised, and where their stories inspire the next generation of explorers to engage with the outdoors and discover their own potential. We continue to support those who dare to explore—whether through data, design, or discovery.

Our ecosystem empowers innovators using location data to tackle a wide spectrum of environmental challenges—from mapping climate change impacts and modelling flood risk, to tracking biodiversity loss, monitoring air quality, and supporting disaster response and recovery. Join our community to discover how our space, tools, and network can help turn geospatial insight into real-world impact.