We are delighted to introduce you to our GIS expert Rob. Following the recent international GIS day, we asked him a few questions about how he developed his passion for GIS and what advice he would give anyone starting a career in the field.

What is your role at Inosys?

Working alongside other technical specialists, I provide technical geospatial support to a range of offshore energy projects. My tasks include data management and visualisation, cartography, spatial analysis, technical consultancy/advisory and scripting/automation to improve workflows. I also provide support for ongoing ‘live’ projects through our online web mapping application Seekat, including data publication and configuration of real-time feeds.

Why did you start working with GIS?

I’ve always had an interest in the physical environment. I studied physical geography at university, which is where I took my first GIS-related modules. Fun fact: initially I didn’t particularly like GIS for various reasons. Subsequent years with more specialised courses, which also focused on remote sensing, made it a career I could see myself pursuing.

What is your favourite part about GIS?

I enjoy the interdisciplinary aspects of GIS - it can act as an interface between different specialists, so you get exposure to different subjects. There are also several niches within GIS itself from mapping & cartography to 3D modelling and coding & development.

How did you find your way into the energy industry?

By accident really, I had a rather short tenure in the Environment Agency and was fully expecting to leave Bath when a job came up in the energy industry. Was very kindly employed as a GIS technician where I have remained ever since.

What has been your favourite project so far?

Providing web mapping services to a contractor working on the Nemo-link cable installation between the UK / Belgium. It was a great example demonstrating how project-specific data can be tied in with real-time vessel and subsea asset data and presented within a platform that multiple project partners could access.

What advice would you give graduates just starting a career in GIS?

Explore free and open-source geospatial software and tools. Learn skills that are not strictly geospatially focused such as coding.

What development would you like to see in the GIS world?

Greater integration of autonomously acquired survey data. More accessible openly available data. Greater use of open-source tools.

- November 2022