We’re here with another installment in our Team TGG Bios. This time we’re going to meet Geospatial Developer Scott Olafsen. Scott has been with The Gartrell Group since October of 2021, about a year and a half.
Scott, can you tell us what a Geospatial Developer does?
I develop geospatial applications to optimize business processes for clients.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
The variety of geospatial technologies I get to use across projects. Rather than solving problems with one stack of technologies, each client generally has different needs and IT infrastructure, exposing me to other ways to accomplish similar goals.
What got you into being a geospatial developer?
I was really into maps as a kid; I used to spend hours reading the map pages of the Delorme Maine Atlas & Gazetteer. After High School, I didn't know what I wanted to study in college, but I discovered that there was a Major in Geography, so I chose that. After a stint working for Delorme, I moved out West to pursue my Skiing dreams. As my unrealistic professional big mountain skiing dreams faded, I wanted to return to the GIS world but did not want to be an analyst/technician again. I decided to do a web development boot camp because I wanted to make all the mapping app ideas I had dreamt up over the years.
That’s awesome. Tell us more about skiing!
I love the outdoors, and this is what drives me in life. My performance in life and work is tied to being able to pursue outdoor sports in my free time. I enjoy backcountry skiing, whitewater kayaking, and trail running.
How many days have you been able to get out into the backcountry this season?
I don't count my days, but I estimate around 50. We had an incredible winter in Utah, which started early, so I have been skiing every week since late October.
That brings us back to the work thing—you live in Utah? I guess that means you are a remote employee.
Yes, I work from my home in Utah.
You said you “moved out West.” Where did you grow up?
Portland, Maine.
Ah… the original Portland. Do you have any pets?
I have a 4-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer who I share with my partner. He requires a lot of exercise, so it keeps us active.
Do you like to travel?
Yes, I mostly travel regionally for skiing and kayaking, but I recently went to Panama, which is an amazing place.
