Field Notes from La Junta: GISColorado at Otero College
Otero College, the setting for last week’s GISColorado Meetup in La Junta. Proud to have represented PDS in conversations centered around geospatial innovation and community impact.
Last week, I had the opportunity to represent PDS Research Foundation at the GISColorado Quarterly Meetup held at Otero College in La Junta, Colorado. As the Business Development Manager, it was refreshing to step out of our day-to-day operations and connect directly with professionals, educators, and community leaders who care deeply about the future of geospatial technology—especially in the context of public service and rural innovation.
A great day in La Junta at Otero College for the GISColorado meetup — loved the conversations around community-driven data, mentorship, and the future of geospatial tech in rural Colorado.
Throughout the day, I heard a common thread in nearly every discussion: “Know your data.”
From the challenges of syncing GIS files across teams, to the legal complexities of mapping survey lands, it’s clear that the value of GIS doesn’t just come from having the data—but from truly understanding its structure, context, and purpose.
Some key themes that stood out to me:
- the evolving role of DevOps-inspired practices in GIS
- ongoing conversations around data quality and system design
- the importance of collaborative workflows in complex spatial environments
- the role of technical communication in project success
- interdisciplinary planning across government and infrastructure sectors
- the need to create more on-ramps for students and early-career professionals to get involved in the field
I was especially inspired by discussions focused on how GIS can support smaller or resource-limited communities. The idea that geospatial tools can level the playing field for public services and planning is something that deeply resonates with our mission at PDS.
This meetup was a powerful reminder that our work isn’t just technical; it’s human. It’s about building systems that help real people make real decisions with confidence and care. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent PDS in these conversations and look forward to continuing to learn and contribute in the spaces where geospatial innovation meets community impact.
