About Ian
Ian strengthens hazard mitigation planning, academic research, and public health initiatives through geospatial analysis and products. He deploys and manages ArcGIS Hub sites that serve as public-facing gateways to the hazard mitigation plans of Minnesota counties and Tribal Reservations, and has contributed research and data analysis to over 20 plan documents.
Ian co-manages U-Spatial's Help Desk, advising members of the University of Minnesota community on geospatial technologies, analysis, and project design. He has been a key contributor to several Minnesota Department of Health contracts, including the Minnesota Lead Infrastructure Transparency Tool and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership. Ian earned a B.A. in Geography with a Concentration in Urban Studies from Macalester College.
Key Projects and Initiatives
BRIC21 Hazard Mitigation Plans
Updated the hazard mitigation plans of three Tribal Reservations and the multi-jurisdictional plans of 18 Minnesota counties, meeting FEMA requirements with maps, geospatial analysis, community outreach, and comprehensive documentation. Companion ArcGIS Hub websites were delivered alongside each plan, incorporating dozens of interactive applications showing communities' history of and vulnerability to natural hazards.
Heat and Health Interactive Map
Delivered for the Minnesota Department of Health, this ArcGIS Dashboard incorporates over 20 indicators across five categories — climate projections, exposure, health, sociodemographics, and socioeconomics — to help the public, planners, and emergency managers understand community vulnerability to extreme heat.
Areas of Expertise
- Developing ArcGIS Dashboards and Web Experiences that communicate complex spatial data clearly.
- Geospatial research and analysis for county and Tribal Reservation hazard mitigation plans across Minnesota.
- Deploying and managing ArcGIS Hub websites that provide context and expanded access to geospatial projects.
- Creating elegant and informative maps for publications, research projects, community outreach, and grant applications.
Work with Ian
Reach out, consultations are free for the U of M community.