Hi, I'm Michael!

I am a Geospatial Data Analyst working to make data driven maps for a data driven world. Scroll down to see some of my work below.

Impact of Hydrocarbon Extraction on Indigenous Communities

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Object-Based Image Analysis of Agriculture Operations

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Optimal Geolocation for Waste Facilities

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Subsurface Exploration Strip Map

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Large Land Owner
Map Book

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Natural and Cultural Resources Assessment

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Hurricane Maria Natural Disaster Relief

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© 2024 Maps By Michael. All rights reserved.

The above map which is titled "Potential Impact of Hydrocarbon Extraction on Indigenous Communities using Spatial Overlap" presents a geospatial analysis focused on evaluating the intersection of hydrocarbon extraction activities and indigenous populations in Peru. The analysis utilized population data of indigenous communities, spatially overlaid with hydrocarbon concessions and the specific areas where these communities are located within hydrocarbon extraction zones. By employing spatial overlap techniques, the map highlights regions of significant concern, particularly where high-density indigenous populations are most vulnerable to the potential impacts of hydrocarbon extraction. This approach allows for the identification of areas where the intersection of indigenous communities and hydrocarbon activities is most pronounced, providing critical insights for policy and decision-making regarding resource extraction and indigenous rights.The use of color gradients to represent population densities enhances the visualization of potential risks, with darker shades indicating higher population densities within affected regions. Additionally, the inclusion of hydrocarbon concession boundaries and spatial patterns of indigenous communities provides a comprehensive view of the spatial distribution of these variables. The inset map further zooms in on a critical region, offering a detailed perspective on areas such as the Zona Reservada Santiago-Comaina, which may be particularly susceptible to the effects of extraction activities. This map serves as a valuable tool for stakeholders in environmental management, indigenous advocacy, and resource governance, leveraging geospatial technology to illuminate the complexities of land use and its socio-environmental implications.

The above map titled "Object Based Image Classification" showcases the application of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for vegetation assessment in large-scale agricultural operations, specifically plant nurseries. The imagery that I captured through multiple drone flight missions was processed using object-based image analysis (OBIA) techniques, which segment the image into meaningful objects or clusters of pixels rather than treating each pixel independently. This approach is particularly effective in agricultural settings where the spatial and spectral characteristics of different vegetation types can be complex. The map categorizes the landscape into various classes, including evergreen vegetation, other vegetation, dead vegetation, shells, dirt, and shadows, providing a detailed classification of the agricultural area.The zoomed-in section of the map highlights the precision of the OBIA technique in distinguishing between different vegetation types and non-vegetative elements. This method enhances the ability to manage large-scale agricultural operations by allowing for accurate mapping of plant health, vegetation types, and other key factors. The integration of UAS with advanced classification algorithms like OBIA represents a significant advancement in agricultural monitoring, offering a more efficient and scalable solution compared to traditional field surveys or per-pixel classification methods. The resulting data can be used to inform decisions on crop management, resource allocation, and environmental sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Disclaimer: Some data has been altered or redacted in these maps to maintain privacy.The provided maps are part of a 50 page detailed map book created for a large private landowner to better understand his extensive land holdings in Accomack County, Virginia. The first map seen above, "General Property Locations," offers an overview of the properties, highlighting their distribution across various estates and trusts. By using distinct color-coding and labels, this map situates the properties within the broader geographic context, showing their proximity to key landmarks and infrastructure, facilitating strategic planning and easier property management.The land cover maps, "Exhibit 1c: Land Cover View" and "Exhibit 3c: Land Cover View," give an example of how the map book focuses on each specific tract of land. These maps categorize the land into various cover types, such as forest land, open land, ponds, and residential areas, providing detailed insights into the ecological and economic potential of each parcel. By presenting this information, the maps assist the landowner in making informed decisions regarding land use, conservation, and resource allocation.Similar to the land cover maps, the parcel view maps such as the example included here titled "Exhibit 5a: Parcel View" provide a parcel-level breakdown of the exact areas of land associated to the landowner and the other trusts and estates under his control. This map categorizes parcels by ownership class and includes detailed information on deed and assessed acreages. By combining parcel boundaries with land cover and financial data, it supports the landowner's financial planning and property management efforts. Together, these maps utilize geospatial technology to offer precise and actionable insights across a range of land management concerns.

The map included above titled "Wheatland County Potential EFW Site Service Area" provides a spatial analysis of municipal solid waste (MSW) distribution and potential service areas for an Energy-from-Waste (EFW) facility. The map delineates various service area radii, ranging from 30 to 180 minutes of travel time, using concentric color-coded bands. This gradation visually represents the increasing distance from the potential EFW site, marked by a green square at the center. The overlay of MSW annual tonnage data, represented by graduated circles, further enhances the map's utility by illustrating the volume of waste generated within each radius, thereby identifying regions of high waste concentration that could be serviced by the facility.The integration of transfer stations and landfills, indicated by dark green circles, adds another layer of spatial context, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of existing waste management infrastructure in relation to the proposed EFW site. The map also quantifies the total annual volume of waste within each service area radius, which can be critical for determining the feasibility and capacity planning of the facility. This spatial analysis not only supports decision-making for the siting and operational efficiency of the EFW facility but also provides insights into potential environmental impacts and logistical considerations in Wheatland County. The clear visualization of waste distribution and service area coverage makes this map a valuable tool for stakeholders in waste management and regional planning.

The provided maps are part of a strip map series created for the proposed subsurface explorations along the I-64 Hampton Roads Express Lanes during its recent expansion. This strip map consists of nine detailed maps, though only three of the nine are included here. The maps overlay comprehensive geotechnical data, including existing and proposed explorations, onto high-resolution aerial imagery, offering a thorough analysis of the area’s subsurface conditions. This visualization is critical for pre-construction planning, ensuring that the subsurface is well-understood to mitigate risks associated with soil and geological variations.The maps feature key infrastructure components such as retaining walls, sound barrier walls, and stormwater ponds, all color-coded and clearly marked to show their relationships with proposed and existing structures. Historic VDOT structure borings are also included, adding valuable context for understanding the subsurface history and guiding decisions on construction methods and materials. By integrating these elements, the maps provide a comprehensive framework for assessing how new developments will interact with existing infrastructure, supporting the design of a resilient transportation system.As part of the nine-map strip series, these maps serve as crucial tools for geospatial professionals involved in the project. They offer a clear and actionable overview of subsurface conditions, supporting informed decision-making and helping to ensure the success of the infrastructure development.

The provided maps are part of the JP Stevens 44kV Tap Rebuild Project and focus on different aspects of environmental and cultural resource assessments. The first map, "NHD, NWI, and FEMA Flood Zones," highlights detailed stream delineations within the study area. The map includes photographs and inset maps showing the location and extent of wetlands, streams, and upland areas. This data is essential for ensuring that construction activities comply with environmental regulations and for identifying potential impacts on water resources.The second map, "Cultural Resources," provides an overview of the study area's historic and cultural significance. It marks surveyed locations and those that are no longer present, as well as a half-mile buffer zone to assess the potential impact of the project on nearby historic sites. This map is crucial for guiding the project in accordance with preservation regulations, ensuring that important cultural resources are protected during the rebuild process.The final map, "National Land Cover Database 2016 Land Cover," provides a broad view of the land cover types within the project area. The map uses a range of colors to differentiate between various land cover types, such as forests, wetlands, and developed areas. This overview helps in understanding the landscape context and assessing the potential ecological impacts of the project. By combining this land cover information with the detailed assessments in the previous maps, stakeholders can make well-informed decisions about project planning and environmental management.

This map was developed as a key tool for natural disaster relief efforts in eastern Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Its primary purpose was to assist office staff in communicating effectively with field crews on the ground who were visiting the actual sites shown on the map. The map highlights infrastructure damages, particularly focusing on bridges ("B") and roads ("R"), and was used to coordinate the extensive recovery operations required in the aftermath of the hurricane.In addition to serving as a visual guide, the map was integrated into an Operations Dashboard, which allowed all teams to use it as a base map for real-time situational awareness. A snippet of this Dashboard can be seen below in its final stages as we had completed all work and wrapped up the project. This combination enabled both office and field staff to have a clear understanding of where crews were located and the status of recovery efforts at each site. The inclusion of inset maps provided detailed views of critical areas, further enhancing the ability to manage resources and prioritize repairs effectively.Overall, this map and its accompanying dashboard played a crucial role in disaster recovery coordination. By providing a clear, shared understanding of the field conditions and infrastructure damage, it facilitated more efficient communication, decision-making, and resource allocation during the relief efforts in Puerto Rico.