Dylan Russell

Geospatial Analyst & Web Developer

About Me

My interest in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) stems from its remarkable ability to address complex real-world challenges through spatial analysis and data visualization. During my academic tenure, I became deeply immersed in the capabilities of GIS, recognizing its potential to revolutionize problem-solving across various domains. From environmental conservation to urban planning, I see GIS as a catalyst for innovation and informed decision-making. This portfolio showcases my skills in interactive web mapping, geospatial programming, and data-driven analysis.

Work Experience

Mapping Analyst and Lidar Technician

Aerotas, LLC | 01/2025 – Current
  • Using Auto-CAD and CIVIL 3D to draft 3D linework on survey projects.
  • Processing 2D and 3D recreations of aerial data in DJI Terra and Pix4D.
  • Creating fully classified LiDAR point clouds using Global Mapper.
  • Creating survey grade digital elevation models (DEMs) from classified LiDAR.

Data Analyst and Python Programmer

Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) | 07/2024 – 12/2024
  • Utilized ArcGIS Pro Change Detection tools (CCDC, LandTrendr) to detect temporal changes on the Hanford Nuclear Site.
  • Created Python scripts to automate change detection, increasing workflow productivity through parallel processing.

Data Analyst and Drone Pilot

Altitude Agri Services, LLC | 07/2024 – 12/2024
  • Collected and analyzed aerial data to support precision agriculture.
  • Processed data in Pix4D and created high-precision maps for government contracts.
  • Built an inventory management system using Python GUIs.

Research Lead

Cal Poly Pomona | 01/2023 – 05/2024
  • Wrote Python scripts to automate data pipelines and enhance research efficiency.
  • Developed and maintained 2 terabytes of Global Climate Model (GCM) datasets.
  • Authored instructional guides and mentored peers on geospatial techniques.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to address research goals.

Student Researcher

Cal Poly Pomona RIO Program | 01/2022 – 01/2023
  • Researched the effects of climate change on cash crops in California.
  • Employed machine learning models to analyze climate data and predict future trends.
  • Prepared reports and presentations for academic and policy audiences.

Education

University of California, Los Angeles

Applied GIS & Technologies | Current

California Polytechnic University, Pomona

B.S. in Geography, Geospatial Analysis | 2024

Fullerton Community College

A.A. in Geography | 2021

Certifications & Training

FAA Part 107 Certified UAS Pilot

Over 200 hours of flight experience

ESRI Academy Training

  • Building Geoprocessing Models
  • Python for Everyone
  • Getting Started with ArcGIS Pro
  • Intro to Coordinate Systems
  • Integrating Data in ArcGIS Pro
  • Querying Data Using ArcGIS Pro
  • ArcGIS Pro Basics

Technical Skills

Core Competencies

  • Spatial Analysis
  • Remote Sensing
  • Data Visualization
  • GPS & Field Data Collection
  • LiDAR Data Processing
  • Cartographic Design
  • Research & Development (R&D)

GIS & Photogrammetry Software

  • ArcGIS Pro
  • QGIS
  • Pix4D
  • Global Mapper
  • DJI Terra
  • Erdas Imagine

Web Development & Deployment

  • Leaflet
  • D3
  • GeoServer
  • Node.js
  • AWS EC2
  • Nginx
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript

Programming & Automation

  • Python
  • ModelBuilder
  • SQL
  • Jupyter
  • GitHub
  • R
  • C++

Geodemographics

Census Data, Attribute Table Joins, and TIGER/Line Shapefiles.

Project 1 Image 1 / 5

Geodemographics

Block Group Comparisons, Statistics, and Choropleth Maps.

Project 2 Image 1 / 5

Quantitative Spatial Analysis

Regression Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Mean Centers, Standard Distance, Directional Distribution, and Fishnet Grid.

Project 3 Image 1 / 5

Quantitative Spatial Analysis

Spatial Association Between Zones, Cattle Commodity Statistics, and Hotspot Analysis.

Project 4 Image 1 / 5

Quantitative Spatial Analysis

Getis-Ord Gi Hotspot Analysis and Wildfire Perimeter visualization.

Project 5 Image 1 / 1

Advanced GIS

Geoprocessing Tools, ModelBuilder, and Zoning Requirements.

Project 6 Image 1 / 2

Remote Sensing of the Environment

Satellite Imagery, Raster Band Manipulation, and Unsupervised Classification.

Project 7 Image 1 / 3

GIS Programming and Application

Model Builder, Iterators, and Flood Zone Classification.

Project 8 Image 1 / 2

Academic Work & Publications

Pistachios on the Move Thumbnail

Pistachios on the Move (Spring 2023)

Examining the Impact of Climate Change on Cash Crops in California.

Read Paper
Pistachios on the Move Poster Thumbnail

Pistachios on the Move (Spring 2024)

Presented at the Department of Geography and Anthropology Map Gallery @ Cal Poly Pomona.

Read Paper
Cattle and Air Quality Thumbnail

Cattle Presence & Air Quality

Spatial Relationship analysis presented at the Department of Geography and Anthropology Map Gallery @ Cal Poly Pomona.

Read Paper

Personal Projects & Hobbies

Star Trek Arcade Game

As a personal project, I developed a Star Trek-themed arcade game from scratch using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. All of the in-game assets, including the starships and projectiles, are custom SVGs that I designed and created myself.

Please note: This is still a work in progress, so you may encounter some bugs!

Controls:
  • Arrow Keys: Move side to side
  • Spacebar: Shoot
  • Right Shift: Fire Torpedos
  • Right Control: Fire Phasers
Play Game