Geographic Information Systems Specialist
Academic Background
- M.S. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), University of Redlands, Redlands, CA, 2003
- B.S. Geography, California State University, Chico, CA, 2001
Professional Experience
Mr. Wood created the Geographic Information System (GIS) Department at Utility System Efficiencies, Inc. (USE) in 2007. He developed, manages, and maintains a GIS database that represents the transmission network and shares a dynamic link with power flow output data. This data is leveraged by overlaying it with other spatial datasets including biological, economic, engineering, suitable resources, and land use to determine the best location for proposed transmission line corridors and projects. Mr. Wood has worked to identify relationships and patterns between the transmission network and local landscape, infrastructure, ecosystems, and human populations through GIS analysis and illustrates these findings through figures and graphics. These figures and graphics illustrate the analysis results and identify potential environmental issues that might impede project development. These figures also assist technical analysis and augment transmission planning by providing visual tools that identify the most economically, electrically, and environmentally feasible locations and for proposed corridors and projects.
There are currently two primary mapping applications that Mr. Wood is leading within USE. The first mapping application involves visual representation of spatial data. Mr. Wood leads USE in generating figures and graphics using GIS software and a variety of data. These figures assist with technical analyses and provide visual tools to provide clients with a better understanding of interconnection options for potential project sites. These figures are often included in comprehensive reports and presentations and have proven to be a valuable asset to USE.
The second mapping application utilizes GIS technology to perform transmission routing and suitability studies. This process involves a suitability analysis to determine potential routes for proposed transmission projects. Mr. Wood uses GIS software which allows analyses of biological, economic, engineering, suitable resources, and land use to determine the best location for proposed transmission lines.
