GIS Solutions

What is a GIS

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system of software that captures, stores, analyzes, and presents digital data that corresponds to real-world, geographic locations.   A GIS can be as simple as Google Earth or it can be as expensive and comprehensive as ESRI's ArcMap software.  Recently there has been a strong movement towards free open-source GIS solutions such as QGIS project.  

Why Choose Me

As a Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) who has spent his entire professional life working with GIS software I have the skills and experience to meet your geospatial analytical needs.  My passion for cartography dates back to when I asked my parents for an atlas for Christmas instead of toys at the age of 10.  In 2005 when Google Earth was released to the public I bought a Garmin GPS and since then have been using my spare time to create detailed trail maps for companies such as TripAdvisor, EveryTrail.com and Trails.com.  At Oregon State University where I earned my Graduate GIS Certificate my Masters Thesis involved studying glacier recession over time on Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainier in relation to debris flow initiation using Landsat 5 and 7 satellite imagery.   Throughout my professional career I have aided in the creation of detailed asset inventories and planimetrics for large utility companies, assessed terrain changes over time with LiDAR data and helped map the habitat of a major keystone species throughout the western United States.  As you can you see from this history I have a passion both at work and outside of work for cartography and geographical data analysis.  Allow me to channel that passion into finding cost saving solutions for you. 

Surface Analysis

LiDAR remains the best method for penetrating vegetation layers to create highly detailed digital surface models of the earth for analysis.  LiDAR is also the best source as ground models when orthorectifying aerial imagery.  But, with lightweight LiDAR sensors for drones starting at $100,000 and larger high density sensors for manned aircraft at $1,000,000 or more LiDAR is EXPENSIVE.  With the advent of commercial UAV platforms and advancements in digital camera sensor technology it is now possible to use advanced photogrammetric software to create 3D models and surfaces from high resolution imagery at a fraction of the cost of LiDAR.  Throughout my education and career I have used digital elevation and surface models to both orthorectify imagery as well as study changes in the landscape over time.   Whether it be a detailed analysis of a LiDAR-derived surface model looking for historical landslides or a quick drone imagery flight for volumetric analysis at a mining site, I have the experience needed to meet your analytical needs.

Volumetric Analysis

  • industrial stockpiles
  • mining excavation
  • fluvial sediment transport

Geological Hazard Detection

  • slope and height analysis 
  • landslide or debris flow potential
  • LiDAR fault detection

Change Detection

  • fluvial changes over time
  • volcanism
  • glacial recession

Viewshed Analysis

  • fire watchtower location
  • wind turbine placement
  • realestate

Temperature Analysis

  • thermal springs and seepages
  • thermal or solar efficiency
  • habitat studies

Feature Extraction

Automated feature extraction is the Holy Grail of geospatial data processing.  Over the past few years there have been huge advances in image recognition algorithms.  Examples of this are the face detection tools Goole, Apple, and Facebook use or the product recognition software Amazon uses to detect products via photos.  Various photogrammetric software companies have also begun to use sophisticated algorithms to detect features based on sharp changes in subject matter within imagery.   Many companies claim that they have "fully automated" solutions.   Having been in the industry for as long as I have I can tell you that is not true.   There is often a lot of manual effort involved to first identify, then accurately vectorize features from geospatial data.    It then takes an eye for details and experience within scientific fields such as forestry, or geology to accurately classify features.  My education in the earth sciences and years of working with the latest data processing and GIS software have given me a unique understanding of what can be accurately extracted from geospatial data.   Nearly every geospatial company offers these services but very few are honest about what they are capable of.  You have my promise that when it comes to extracting features and information from your geospatial data, you will always receive an honest answer from me about what is possible and I will go to great lengths to seek out experts in the scientific fields necessary to ensure the accuracy of the information extracted.  

Planimetrics

  • roads and sidewalks
  • rivers and shorelines
  • buildings and infrastructure
  • vegetation

Classification

  • vegetation
  • geology and minerals
  • wildlife

Hazard and Failure Detection

  • vegetation encroachment
  • stress and distortion detection
  • faults, leaks, breaks

Management and Maintenance

Throughout my career I have worked with both enormous data sets as well as an enormous variety of data types.  When working with thousands of files spread across multiple drives it is not just a good idea to stay organized, it is crucial to success. Understanding the organizational hierarchies in a geodatabase, the importance of detailed metadata, and the advantages and disadvantages to choosing various file types is key to efficient management of large data within a GIS.   Every geospatial project I have worked on has required a different approach to file creation and management within a GIS.   I've learned over the years that every client has different resources available to them.  This sometimes meant transforming entire data sets into a unusual local coordinate systems, compressing thousands of imagery files so they could load easier on dated computers, or simply writing a tutorial for them on how best to view the data within their available software.  Allow me to use my past experiences to guide you towards the most efficient use and management of your geospatial data.

Metadata Creation or Repair

  • FGDC vs ESRI
  • coordinate system/projection/units verification
  • ownership

Asset Inventories

  • organization of assets
  • classification of assets
  • maintenance of assets

Data Conversion

  • coordinate transformations
  • file type conversions
  • file compression

Geodatabase Design

  • topological structuring and validation rules
  • feature class development
  • symbology development

Implementation and Training

Geospatial data holds a wealth of information.  The ability to harness that information to make cost-effective business decisions depends on your understanding of how to use it to your advantage.  Over my career I have discovered processing and analytical workflow efficiencies that both save time and money.  I've learned from trial and error which file types work best for different applications and how data fusion can provide a wealth of additional information.   I've always enjoyed teaching others what I'm passionate about.  In addition to quality data processing and analysis I will work with my clients to ensure they clearly understand how to use the data delivered to them for the benefit of their business.  

As a bonus, if you are the outdoorsy type who would like to learn how to use this technology in your own personal life to both explore new places and keep track of where you've been I'd love to chat.  I've developed some personal work flows to help you track your outdoor adventures with a smartphone and automatically tag your personal photos with complete location data, even while out of service areas.  

Custom Workflow Creation

  • organization tips
  • compatibility solutions
  • choosing the best end products

Mobile Applications

  • field data collection
  • compatibility solutions
  • choosing the best end products

Personal Use

  • GPS training
  • free software opportunities
  • open-source opportunities

READY TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US?