Today is World GIS Day, and we’re thrilled to announce an exciting initiative at Clark Dietz—the launch of our GIS Community of Practice (CoP)!
At Clark Dietz, GIS has become an integral tool for solving complex engineering challenges and delivering value to our clients. From real-time field inspections to asset management and public engagement through story mapping, GIS empowers us to make data-driven decisions that enhance infrastructure planning and improve project outcomes. The launch of the GIS Community of Practice reflects our commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in this critical area.
What is a Community of Practice (CoP)?
Communities of Practice at Clark Dietz are cross-disciplinary teams designed to drive professional growth, share knowledge, and stay at the forefront of technological advancements. The GIS CoP will:
- Host collaborative workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions.
- Explore ways to integrate GIS across all areas of engineering.
- Strengthen our ability to serve clients with innovative, location-based solutions.
With GIS, we’re able to visualize and analyze complex datasets, empowering stakeholders, the public, and our teams to make informed decisions at every stage of a project. For example:
- Mobile GIS tools allow inspectors to collect real-time data in the field, increasing both accuracy and efficiency.
- GIS Story Mapping provides communities with accessible ways to explore project alternatives and understand their impacts.
- Municipal asset management tools help track maintenance, conditions, and field notes for infrastructure like fire hydrants, signs, and sidewalks.
The GIS CoP will build on these strong foundations and drive the future of GIS innovation at Clark Dietz.
To mark this milestone, we’re spotlighting Devin Carlson, our GIS Lead Specialist and the leader of our GIS Community of Practice. Devin’s journey to GIS is as inspiring as the work she does every day at Clark Dietz. Below, she shares her career path, the exciting projects she’s worked on, and her vision for the future of GIS.
Q&A with Devin Carlson
Q: What sparked your interest in cartography and GIS, and how did you decide to pursue it as a career?
A: My path to GIS wasn’t linear—I started in Interior Design, transitioned to architectural drafting, and eventually worked in municipal utilities. It was during my time in the water and wastewater industry that I discovered the potential of GIS. I saw how it could solve challenges like documenting buried utilities and improving communication between field and office teams. GIS is now my passion, offering endless opportunities for innovation and problem-solving.
Q: What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on at Clark Dietz?
A: One of the most rewarding projects has been developing our construction inspection solution. Collaborating with the construction inspection team, we transformed paper-based workflows into a dynamic GIS-driven system. This project not only improved efficiency but also highlighted the power of teamwork and practical innovation.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting a career in GIS?
A: Build a foundation in coding—it opens up possibilities for more advanced GIS solutions. And don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know; the GIS field is vast, and continual learning is key to success. Most importantly, embrace collaboration—the GIS community is incredibly supportive and eager to share knowledge.
Q: What keeps you motivated in your GIS work?
A: I’m driven by the constant challenges and opportunities to grow. Every project presents a new puzzle to solve, and the sense of accomplishment when everything comes together is incredibly rewarding. My ongoing education, including pursuing a master’s degree in Cartography and GIS, fuels my passion for the field.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to integrate GIS into our services, the GIS Community of Practice will:
- Keep our team up to date on the latest GIS technologies and trends.
- Enhance internal collaboration to deliver tailored solutions.
- Expand GIS applications across all areas of our work.
GIS is more than a tool; it’s a bridge that connects data, people, and decisions. Join us in celebrating this exciting step forward on World GIS Day and throughout Geography Awareness Week!
🔗 Want to learn more about our GIS services? Visit Engineering Quality of Life with GIS
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