ESRGC Fall Spotlight 2025

"I was surprised by how much collaboration there is on every project. I have also learned about the importance of good data management and how crucial it is for long term projects with multiple people."

Name: Jack Carpenter

Graduation date/ School: December / Salisbury University / B.S. Geography, GIS Tract

Hometown: Westminster, MD

When did you first use GIS?

The first time I used GIS was when I was attending Frostburg State University. I was doing a project about the population of the Western Maryland Counties in which I made a Choropleth Map.

What is something you wish everyone knew about GIS?

I wish that more people understood that GIS is incredibly broad. Making maps is a big part of it, but its more about spatial thinking and using data to solve real world problems. GIS is a great way to reveal patterns and relationships that can otherwise be hard to see.

What interested you in working with the ESRGC?

The idea of working on projects that are focused on the Eastern shore is what drew me to ESRGC. I also think its interesting that much of the work ESRGC does is with local governments.

What tasks do you work on at the ESRGC?

While at ESRGC I have been working on two projects. One is digitizing soil survey data of Maryland Counties for the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. The work for this is done one county at a time. Digitizing this data will make accessing it easier and it could be used for other GIS projects in the future.

The other project is making mosaics of Ocean City and Assateague Island using aerial photography starting from the 1930s. There are photos from many months and once these mosaics are made it will show how the islands have shifted over the years.

While working with the ESRGC what surprised you most or what is something that you learned from it?:

I was surprised by how much collaboration there is on every project. In my time using GIS in school it is mostly independent work, but here both projects I have worked on have had multiple other people working on the same projects. That aspect of collaboration is very fun to me. I have also learned about the importance of good data management and how crucial it is for long term projects with multiple people.

Dream job? (doesn’t have to be GIS/ESRGC related)

My dream job is one where I can continue using GIS on many different projects. My favorite aspect of GIS is how it can be used to solve many different problems.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time outdoors fishing and hiking. The Eastern Shore has been a great place to fish and find new fishing spots.

Do you have a LinkedIn ?

Yes, you can find me at www.linkedin.com/in/jack-carpenter-613a56296

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The Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative (ESRGC) at Salisbury University regularly features a current or former intern for our Intern Spotlight. The ESRGC provides geographic information system (GIS) technology, data, technical support, and training to governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations in Maryland and across the Mid-Atlantic. Since launching in 2004, the ESRGC has provided valuable paid internships to hundreds of Salisbury University students, allowing them to learn real-world skills that prepare them for a direct transition to the workforce. ESRGC internships range from analyzing databases for local governments to field verifying broadband access in rural areas, and everything in between. For more information on how your organization could leverage the advantage of this inexpensive, highly-motivated, technical GIS intern, or how to apply for an internship, please contact Lauren McDermott.

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