Stories by Victor Essang on Medium

What is Geographic Information System (GIS)

Victor Essang — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:03:09 GMT

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools that leverage the vast amount of geographical data available to understand our world. This data, which describes aspects of Earth’s surface, climate, ecosystems, and human activities, is fundamental to virtually all geographical applications. GIS helps individuals and organizations interpret and visualize this information, revealing the intricate connections and patterns within our environment.

In essence, a GIS application involves the practical utilization of geospatial data and technology to address real-world challenges, ranging from emergency response efforts to strategic customer analysis. GIS performs spatial analysis on geospatial datasets, which include both raster data (grid-based cells with spatial attributes) and vector data (representing points, lines, and areas). This analysis culminates in the creation of interconnected visualizations. These visualizations, presented as maps, charts, statistics, and cartograms, illustrate critical geographical factors such as location, natural resources, infrastructure like streets and buildings, and demographic information. A commonly encountered and iconic example of GIS visualization is the routing feature found in services like Google Maps.

See my works https://veespatial.com/liveapps

The stack I’m using this month (React Native/Firebase/etc.) and why

Victor Essang — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 21:28:47 GMT

For this month’s build, I’ve kept my stack simple but powerful:

- Expo React Native: One codebase, both iOS and Android. Fast iterations, smooth developer experience, and lots of community support.

- Supabase: A backend that just works. Auth, database, and storage without the headache of setting everything up from scratch. It gives me speed while still being flexible enough to scale.

- Stripe: The gold standard for payments. Reliable, developer-friendly, and battle-tested. If I want to monetize, I don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

Why this stack?
Because it lets me focus on what matters, shipping quickly and validating ideas without getting lost in infra or boilerplate. It’s lightweight enough for speed, but solid enough to grow with me.

Every month, the product might change, but my guiding principle stays the same: move fast, learn, and only optimize when needed.

This is Day 6 of my 100 days of posting as part of my monthly shipping streak (12 months, 12 releases).

Victor Essang | GIS Expert | Product Engineer | Mobile (iOS/Android) & Web App Developer

My Website: https://veespatial.netlify.app

Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~012d233326cbb63858?mp_source=share
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoressang
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/victor_gis

#technews #geospatial #gisdevelopment #softwaredevelopment #product #productengineering #mobiledevelopment Uyo Akwa Ibom #academy #veespatial #gis Nigeria #precisegis #remotesensing #react #vue #reactnative

Build from scratch vs. using no-code/low-code helpers.

Victor Essang — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 21:26:04 GMT

When starting a new product, I often ask myself: Should I code this from scratch, or should I use a no-code/low-code tool to move faster?

Here’s how I think about it:
- Build from scratch if…
1. The product relies heavily on custom logic or unique performance needs.
2. You’re aiming for long-term scalability and full control.
3. The extra dev time will pay off later in flexibility.

- Use no-code/low-code if…
1. Speed is the priority and you just need to validate an idea.
2. The problem is already well-served by existing frameworks (forms, landing pages, simple CRMs).
3. You want to test demand before committing engineering hours.

Both approaches are valid, it’s not a binary choice. Sometimes the smartest path is starting with a no-code prototype, then rebuilding the validated version from scratch once traction is proven.

The key is aligning your tool choice with your stage of the product journey.

This is Day 5 of my 100 days of posting as part of my monthly shipping streak (12 months, 12 releases).

Victor Essang | GIS Expert | Product Engineer | Mobile (iOS/Android) & Web App Developer

My Website: https://veespatial.netlify.app

Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~012d233326cbb63858?mp_source=share
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoressang
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/victor_gis

Why I always define an MVP in 3 bullet points before coding

Victor Essang — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 21:16:27 GMT

It’s easy to get carried away with features when starting a new product. Excitement takes over, and suddenly the “simple app” idea has a 2-month roadmap before a single user touches it.

That’s why I force myself to define an MVP in 3 bullet points before writing a single line of code.

Here’s why this matters:
- Clarity: Boiling an idea down to 3 bullets forces me to identify the core value the product should deliver.
- Focus: It keeps me from bloating the MVP with “nice-to-haves” that delay shipping.
- Speed: With only 3 bullets to hit, I can ship something fast, test it, and start learning right away.

If the product can’t be explained in 3 bullets, it’s probably not ready to be built yet.

Remember, MVP ≠ incomplete product. It’s the smallest testable version that delivers value.

This is Day 4 of my 100 days of posting as part of my monthly shipping streak (12 months, 12 releases).

Victor Essang | GIS Expert | Product Engineer | Mobile (iOS/Android) & Web App Developer

My Website: https://veespatial.netlify.app

Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~012d233326cbb63858?mp_source=share
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoressang
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/victor_gis

How I Validate An Idea Fast — User Feedback, Mockups, or Quick MVP

Victor Essang — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 20:33:25 GMT

How I Validate An Idea Fast — User Feedback, Mockups, or Quick MVP

One of the biggest traps as a builder is falling in love with an idea… only to spend weeks or months building it before realizing users don’t actually want it.

I’ve learned to fight that by validating ideas early and cheaply. My process usually looks like this:

- User feedback: Talk to potential users right away. Sometimes a 15-minute conversation saves you 3 months of development.
- Mockups / Prototypes: Quick sketches, wireframes, or clickable mockups to test reactions before writing real code.
- Quick MVPs: If the idea has legs, build the simplest version possible that solves the core problem and put it in front of users.

The goal isn’t perfection, it’s to learn whether the problem is real, and whether users care enough to engage with your solution.

Validating fast means you can kill weak ideas quickly and double down on the ones with real traction.

This is Day 3 of my 100 days of posting as part of my monthly shipping streak (12 months, 12 releases).

Victor Essang | GIS Expert | Product Engineer | Mobile (iOS/Android) & Web App Developer

My Website: https://veespatial.netlify.app

Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~012d233326cbb63858?mp_source=share
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoressang
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/victor_gis

Speed Vs. Scalability — Why I Didn’t Optimize Infra Yet.

Victor Essang — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 20:31:00 GMT

Speed Vs. Scalability — Why I Didn’t Optimize Infra Yet

When building early-stage products, there’s always the temptation to design for massive scale from day one.
Set up the perfect infrastructure. Prepare for thousands (or millions) of users. Make it bulletproof.

But here’s the tradeoff:
- Optimizing infra too early slows you down.
- Most assumptions about scale are guesses until users actually show up.
- Time spent “future-proofing” could have been spent shipping and learning.

For me, the priority right now is speed. I want to get the product into the hands of users quickly, gather feedback, and iterate. If growth comes (and I believe it will), that’s the moment to optimize infra for scalability.

Scaling too early = wasted time.
Scaling too late = a good problem to have. 🚀

So for now, I’m embracing speed over polish in infrastructure. Ship → Learn → Adjust.

This is Day 2 of my 100 days of posting as part of my monthly shipping streak (12 months, 12 releases).

Victor Essang | GIS Expert | Product Engineer | Mobile (iOS/Android) & Web App Developer

My Website: https://veespatial.netlify.app

Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~012d233326cbb63858?mp_source=share
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoressang
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/victor_gis

Why “done” is better than “perfect” when building products.

Victor Essang — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 20:27:32 GMT

Today, I’m kicking off a monthly shipping streak for my mobile apps, one release every month for the next 12 months.

To keep myself accountable, I’ll also be sharing insights daily for the next 100 days of posting,

This is in no way an avenue to shipping less quality products, but a show of dedication, hard work, simplicity and excellence.

Regardless, I have a lesson, I’ve learnt overtime, that I’d love to share. As builders, it’s easy to get stuck polishing before release, adding “just one more feature,” refactoring again, or waiting until it feels perfect.

But here’s the truth:
- Products don’t live in our heads, they live in the hands of users.
- Feedback only comes once something is shipped.
- Speed matters, especially in the early stages.

A product that’s done and shipped creates value, teaches you what works (and what doesn’t), and lays the foundation for real improvement. A “perfect” product that never ships does none of that.

This isn’t about lowering standards or pushing sloppy work, it’s about prioritizing learning and iteration over endless polishing.

Every great product you admire today started “done,” not perfect. Then it evolved.

So the next time you’re overthinking a release, ask yourself:
- Will this change help users right now?
- Or am I polishing just for my own comfort?

Ship it. Learn. Improve. Repeat.

Victor Essang | GIS Expert | Product Engineer | Mobile (iOS/Android) & Web App Developer

My Website: https://veespatial.netlify.app

Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~012d233326cbb63858?mp_source=share
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoressang
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/victor_gis

Veet: Redefining Tech Mentorship for a Global Generation

Victor Essang — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 23:55:26 GMT

In today’s fast-paced tech world, skills and knowledge evolve faster than traditional education can keep up. For developers, designers, and product builders, the gap between “learning” and “thriving in industry” is often filled not by textbooks, but by mentorship. This is exactly where Veet is making waves.

Why Mentorship Matters in Tech

We all know that breaking into the tech industry — or leveling up within it — comes with unique challenges. From navigating complex frameworks to preparing for technical interviews, the journey can feel overwhelming. While online courses and bootcamps help, they often lack personalized, real-world guidance.

Mentorship bridges this gap. Having someone who’s walked the path, solved the problems, and understands industry expectations can transform careers.

What Veet Brings to the Table

Veet is more than just a mentorship platform — it’s a community-driven ecosystem designed for growth. With 200+ vetted mentors and mentees from over 75 countries, Veet is showing what global mentorship at scale looks like.

Here’s how it stands out:

Video Calls: Real conversations with real experts, no generic advice.
Unlimited Chat: Stay connected with mentors before and after sessions.
Actionable Tasks & Resources: Mentors assign practical steps tailored to your goals.
Diverse Expertise: Mentors from Microsoft, Amazon, Zoho, Atlassian, and more bring world-class experience.

The impact? Over 1,400 mentees supported and an impressive 4.9/5 satisfaction rating.

A Global Vision from Africa

What excites me most about Veet is its origin story. Built by a passionate remote team — Ejiro Asiuwhu, Kenneth Jimmy, and Augustine Asiuwhu — Veet was born with the vision to democratize access to mentorship, starting from Africa but designed for the world.

It reflects a broader trend: Africa is not just consuming technology; it’s building platforms with global relevance and trust. Veet is a proof point that talent and innovation can come from anywhere.

Why Veet Matters for You

Whether you’re a junior developer preparing for interviews, a designer refining your portfolio, or a mid-level engineer aiming for leadership, Veet gives you access to clarity, confidence, and community.

And if you’re already seasoned in your field, Veet opens the door for you to give back — mentoring the next generation while sharpening your own leadership and teaching skills.

Final Thoughts

Tech is ultimately about people — building solutions that solve problems. Mentorship reflects this truth. Veet is not just a platform; it’s a movement to ensure no one walks their tech journey alone.

As the future of work becomes more global, collaborative, and community-driven, platforms like Veet are showing us what’s possible when we combine technology, mentorship, and purpose.

Ready to take the next step? Meet a mentor today at joinveet.com.

Victor Essang | GIS Expert | Product Engineer | Mobile (iOS/Android) & Web App Developer

My Website: https://veespatial.netlify.app

Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~012d233326cbb63858?mp_source=share
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoressang
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/victor_gis

Coordinate System

Victor Essang — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 12:05:23 GMT

https://medium.com/media/7a4f429e7bf1e643190d179b2c7582eb/href

I’m thrilled to announce that my new GIS tutorial video is now live! 🌍

In this tutorial video, I walk you through the basic understanding of Coordinate System, and how they affect map displays and linear measurements.

Whether you’re new to GIS or a seasoned pro, you’re sure to learn something new in this tutorial video.

Check out the tutorial video now and start exploring the world of GIS mapping! 💻

I hope you find this tutorial video helpful and informative. Please feel free to share it with your network and let me know what you think in the comments below.

Thank you for your support, and happy mapping! 🗺️

Victor Essang | GIS Expert | Product Engineer | Mobile (iOS/Android) & Web App Developer

My Website: https://veespatial.netlify.app

Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~012d233326cbb63858?mp_source=share
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoressang
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/victor_gis

Preparing for floods during this summer

Victor Essang — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 10:31:07 GMT

Preparing for floods during the summer months involves taking several precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your property. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Stay Informed: Stay informed about the weather conditions in your area. Listen to local news and weather reports, and pay attention to flood warnings and advisories issued by local authorities.

2. Create an Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit that includes essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and a portable radio.

3. Secure Your Home: If you live in a flood-prone area, elevate your electrical appliances, furniture, and valuables to higher levels to prevent damage. Seal your basement walls with waterproofing compounds, and install a sump pump to remove any water that seeps in.

4. Have an Evacuation Plan: Develop an evacuation plan and practice it with your family members. Identify safe evacuation routes, and decide on a meeting point in case you get separated.

5. Keep Important Documents Safe: Keep important documents, such as passports, insurance policies, and birth certificates in waterproof bags or containers.

6. Stay Away from Floodwaters: Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters, as they can be dangerous and unpredictable. Be mindful of currents and debris, and avoid contact with floodwater if possible.

By taking these steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones during a flood and reduce the damage to your property.

Victor Essang | GIS Expert | Product Engineer | Mobile (iOS/Android) & Web App Developer

My Website: https://veespatial.netlify.app

Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~012d233326cbb63858?mp_source=share
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoressang
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/victor_gis