Humanitarian Open Street Map
Why Jessica Volunteers: I am volunteering to be part of GISCorps’ Core Committee because I am so excited to be connecting our partner organizations to our talented volunteers.
Related Staff
Robert Carroll
Virginia, USA
I first became involved in disaster response during Hurricane Katrina, where I saw firsthand the critical impact that having recent and accurate damage information could make for decision-makers and communities in crisis. That experience shaped much of my career and fueled my commitment to using geospatial technology in support of disaster response and recovery. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work on numerous events—from hurricanes and floods to wildfires and tornadoes—helping agencies and organizations apply imagery and analytics to better understand damage, prioritize resources, and accelerate recovery.Joining GISCorps allows me to bring that experience into a volunteer setting, contributing alongside an inspiring community of GIS professionals who are motivated not just by technology, but by service. What sets GISCorps apart is how it channels the power of the global GIS community into moments of real human need, ensuring expertise is applied where it can have the greatest impact. Volunteering here is both a way to give back and to stay connected with a network of peers who believe, as I do, that geospatial information can save lives and strengthen resilience.
Hannah Gonzales-Bridges
Nevada, USA
I have had the privilege of working with GISCorps PhotoMappers since Nov. 2020. This mission has allowed me to continue to be of service despite any physical challenges and to provide situational awareness to the teams that need it. I am so grateful to work alongside other volunteers that have the same sense of service. Now that I am a member of the Disaster Response Core Committee, I see how much extra work goes on behind the scenes and I feel fortunate to join the team.
Brigit Anderson
Washington, USA
I first learned about GISCorps in 2020 through the Covid Testing Sites mapping mission. That project, and that first introduction to GISCorps, introduced me to so much more in the GIS community around volunteerism than I could have imagined! Since then, I have been involved in the FireMappers and PhotoMappers Disaster Response projects. Living in the rural Western US, I felt particularly connected to the FireMappers project and getting to see the impact that GIS volunteerism could impart, particularly around filling needed gaps using participatory geography. Beyond that, these Disaster Response projects allowed me to work with other volunteers and feel a great connection to fellow like-minded GIS volunteers who want to use our skills for good! This is what motivated me, and why I feel so honored, to now join the GISCorps Core Committee to continue to not just support the organization's mission, but also this community.