Eric is the founder and owner of GeoSpatial Training Services (geospatialtraining.com) and has over 25 years experience as an application developer, data scientist, and trainer using ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Pro. Eric is currently focused on data science applications with Python, R, and GIS.
Eric is the author of:
Programming ArcGIS with Python Cookbook
Building Web and Mobile ArcGIS Server Applications with JavaScript
Programming ArcGIS Pro with PythonEric has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from Texas A&M University and a Master's of Applied Geography degree with a concentration in GIS from Texas State University.
Kara has over 10 years of experience in geospatial and data science and is the owner of Dynamic Visions GIS. She excels at systems thinking and has a diverse background, having provided services to all levels of government, wildfire, natural resources, fisheries, and nonprofits. Her capacity to complete GIS needs assessments, improve efficiency, increase public access to information, provide methods of asset tracking, and quickly adapt to a changing environment has resulted in many successful project resolutions and National recognition through ESRI’s Special Achievements in GIS awards.
Kara is an active member of the GIS community through participation on multiple boards and committees. These experiences range from leading sub-committees and planning conferences for URISA International and NG911, to helping to plan conferences and track financial information as Treasurer for Northern Rockies-URISA, and facilitating networking events for students and young GIS professionals.
Kara has a Master's of Environmental Science degree with a concentration on Geospatial Analysis and a GIS Certificate from the University of Colorado-Denver and Bachelor's of Science degree with a minor in Marine Science from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Eric van Rees is a freelance writer and editor. His specialty is GIS technology, with his expertise including, but not limited to, programming with Python.
He has more than eight years of proven expertise in editing, writing and interviewing as editor and editor-in-chief for the international geospatial publication GeoInformatics, as well as GIS Magazine and CAD Magazine, both published in Dutch.
As a Tech Journalist and Content Writer, Eric writes about geospatial technology for various clients, publications and blogs.
Eric is the author of:
Mastering Geospatial Analysis with Python
Eric has a Master of Arts degree in Human Geography from Radboud University.
Jeff has over 20 years of experience implementing GIS solutions and developing GIS applications for both public and private sector clients. He has extensive experience in GIS strategic planning and implementation, GIS database design and development, enterprise GIS deployment with the Esri platform, GIS workflow automation with .NET and Python, and GIS application development for desktop, web, and mobile platforms.
Prior to starting FocusGEO, a GIS services and 3D mapping company, he was a GIS project manager and developer for an engineering and GIS services company for 15 years, where in addition to his GIS role he was the project manager and technical lead for mobile lidar services.
His first teaching experience came as an authorized Esri instructor. He went on to develop and teach his own GIS courses through the Northwest Environmental Training Center, Wenatchee Valley College, and to individual clients.
Jeff holds a B.S. in Anthropology with an emphasis in archaeology and GIS, and a B.A. in Geography also with an emphasis in GIS, both from Central Washington University. He also earned two certificates from the University of Minnesota in Client/Server Application Development and C++ Programming.
Kathleen has over 15 years of experience managing GIS training with the State of Texas through the Texas Water Development Board’s division, Texas Natural Resources Information System.
During her tenure with TNRIS, she collaborated with professional training organizations including Geospatial Training Services to bring exceptional training as new GIS teams were being created and then expanding. She worked closely with state agencies, private organizations, as well as regional and local government groups when they began to recognize the power of GIS data to make better planning and policy decisions. They required specialized training and the Training Program met their needs.
Through interaction with instructors highly rated by students, she identified values that set select training companies apart. Notably the instructors have experience using GIS software in one or more industries, they develop, update, and teach the course materials, and possess a drive for GIS professionals to learn, practice, and apply new skills beyond the training lab. This combination is evidenced by instructor’s flexibility and depth of understanding conveyed to students who leave the course more effective in their own jobs.
Also, during her tenure with TNRIS, Kathleen was actively involved with planning the annual Texas GIS Forum. The Forum is the premier event bringing together GIS professionals and national vendors who offer GIS products and services.
Kathleen earned a Bachelor of Science with concentration in Geography, and a Master’s degree in Education from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.