GIS: Where Science Meets Art

Janelle Daigle ’20, ’23M was featured in an online publication on geotechnology and culture that interviews “geohipsters” like her. She holds an undergraduate degree in geography and a master’s degree in integrated scientific applications and works as an environmental scientist and GIS specialist for ATCS, an engineering consultation firm.

1. Could you describe what you do in your current role and explain it in simple terms for readers who might not be familiar with geospatial science?

I am a Geographic Information Systems specialist for a civil engineering firm. I process data into digital maps that visualize where things are on Earth and what they are, which enables us to analyze patterns to assist in solving problems and decision-making. Within my role for the firm, I utilize a variety of geospatial tools and workflows to enhance transportation planning, environmental planning and emergency management services. In addition to the planning services, I also serve as a consultant for local governments by managing their geospatial data and tools to better assist their decision-making as well as improve public transparency through interactive web maps.

2. What first drew you to this field, and what does your work mean to you?

To be honest, I didn’t set out seeking to get into the geospatial field; It sort of found me. For example, when I began my post-secondary education journey as a nontraditional student, I knew that I wanted to land in a career where I could make a positive impact on humanity and the environment while expressing my creative/artsy side. I just wasn’t sure which field was right for me. So, I started off taking some general education credits, and I must have changed my major about three times until I had an academic advisor introduce me to my first GIS class. Within that first course, I not only learned how multifaceted the geospatial field is, but I also discovered GIS and geospatial technology is where science meets art. Upon completion of that course, I knew I had found my niche in a field that allowed me to embrace my creative side while making those positive impacts that I originally set out to do, without taking those grueling organic chemistry classes.

My work means a great deal to me. Every day I get to use my craft to service communities by aiding in planning and decision-making for a healthy and sustainable environment for current and future generations.

3. How have your two Millersville degrees influenced your career or shaped your perspective?

My two degrees have greatly influenced my career. Achieving my bachelor’s degree in geography has given me the tools and knowledge to be successful in my career today. However, achieving my master’s degree in geoinformatics exposed me to the Space Weather and Environment: Science, Policy and Communication program at Millersville. Through the SWEN program, I was introduced to space weather events and how they impact Earth. Because of this introduction to space weather and the classes within the program, I was able to connect my geospatial experience and utilize those skills to study the impacts space weather has on Earth.

For example, when we experience large geomagnetic storms that produce aurora at low latitudes, we are experiencing more than just a pretty show in the night sky. We are also experiencing scintillation from a Coronal Mass Ejection, which can disrupt the Global Positioning System, telecommunications and the electrical grid. Connecting the two disciplines has certainly broadened my perspective on how GIS can be utilized for multiple areas of study, not just the traditional disciplines that are encountered when learning GIS for the first time.

4. What was your experience as a student at Millersville – were there professors, classes or moments that particularly stood out?

I had a great experience at Millersville both during my time as an undergraduate and a graduate student. There have been so many great moments in classes with professors. I believe each one I have had has made a lasting impact on me as a person and my career.

For example, as an undergraduate, Dr. Angela Cuthbert’s Urban and Regional Planning class was instrumental in discovering my passion for using GIS in planning to help underserved communities. Dr. Jessica Kelly’s GIS courses taught me that you can have science and art at the same time. Dr. Chuck Geiger’s GIS courses introduced me to processing census data for mapping, which has also been instrumental in many of the projects that I have worked on in my career. Dr. Kathleen Schreiber introduced me to grass roots movements and how they can really make a positive impact, which has fueled my drive for citizen science. Lastly, as a graduate student, Dr. Sepi Yalda introduced me to the SWEN program, where I got to learn from Dr. Tamitha Mulligan Skov, who mentored me through my SWEN courses, became my advisor for my master’s thesis, and remains a friend and colleague to this day. All of these professors played an instrumental part in my education at Millersville and helped shape me into the person I am today.

5. What are some of the projects or initiatives you’re currently working on that you’re most proud of?

One of the projects I am most proud of is a grant project on which I assisted. I wrote an application for the “Reconnecting Communities Grant” offered by the Federal Highway Administration during the Biden administration to help connect communities that had been separated from crucial resources by major highway systems. I am most proud of that project because we were able to map historical and present census data to show how the population distribution changed after the implementation of the interstate.

The other project that I am currently working on with a few of my colleagues/friends is using a variety of geospatial applications and tools to map space weather impacts on everyday life by leveraging citizen scientists who use Global Navigation Satellite Systems to hear what they are experiencing on the ground during a geomagnetic storm. Enabling this platform allows the user to report the outage and see if others in their general vicinity are experiencing similar problems. The data collected will aid in developing a forecast system that will be able to alert users when they can expect to see outages within their area, resulting in cost-saving benefits as well as providing a large dataset for continued research into the impact on GNSS from solar events and mitigation strategies.

5. How does your work impact communities or the world today?

Today, my work is positively impacting communities through the use of geospatial data and analyses. For example, with geospatial technology, we can assess the demographics of a community and the resources within the community. Thus, enabling local governments to plan for sustainable development that ensures towns and cities are meeting the needs within the community as well as growing in a responsible manner.

The other work with space weather events I am doing at the grassroots level, per say, will help GNSS/GPS users understand the impacts space weather has on their technology. In using geospatial data and technology, we can assess the aurora and the impacts from scintillation on Earth from an “outside looking in” approach versus observing from the Earth looking upward. This approach will equip users with the tools to be able to make informed decisions when faced with a space weather event, potentially resulting in cost saving benefits to multiple industries and consumers.

6. Do you have advice for current Millersville students who might want to pursue a similar path or are still figuring out their direction?

Lean on your professors. Ask them questions, get to know their research and insights into the field you want to pursue. For those still figuring out their direction, I would say do not give up! Keep exploring the many opportunities at Millersville, and you will find your path.