Spatial patterns in ecological phenomena such as species distributions, abundance and productivity are shaped by factors such as climate, soils, competition, and human influences. This presentation summarizes some of the modeling work on this subject that has been carried out by the Geospatial Analysis group at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre over the past two decades. In particular, it will focus on the role of climate in shaping tree species' distributions and productivities - with a view to how these patterns and processes may be affected by ongoing climate change. I will also share some cautionary tales about working with spatial data; while maps can provide decision makers with critical information in a compelling format, it is important to remember that they are only as good as the underlying models and data from which they were developed.