Colin Hookham

Broken Tech Broken Earth

Digital Mapping: LaserScan Engineering Unit 9 The Mount, High St, Toft, Cambridge CB23 2RL

Colin Hookham grew up in Cambridge in the 60s and has continued to live locally throughout his life. As a software engineer, he worked at the Cambridge Science park, and his lived experience has continuously revolved around technological change.

In particular, he recalls being fascinated by using CAD software at work and focusing on developing better user interface design and digital mapping for tech in various industries including utility companies such as Southern Water and engineering companies like LaserScan. The use of digital mapping was a key aspect of the Cambridge scene during this era, with many small businesses having spun off the CAD Centre including Aler Systems and SmallWorld.

Looking back on his career now, Colin recalls, “We were true pioneers of this emerging and new application for computers, I think at the time, I didn’t realise how much of a big impact it would have in the future. It might seem small now, but these developments were major milestones in tech development and were used across sectors”.

This story was shared by a volunteer as part of the Broken Tech, Broken Earth project which aims to co-create events with the local community about the social, historical and environmental impacts of technology.  This project is externally funded by the Esmeé Fairbairn Collections Fund as part of the Museum Association.

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