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Support the Mapmaker: Bringing GIS to Life

*** Bridging the gap between complex spatial data and real-world stories—from the legacy of Gladys West to the maps in your neighborhood. ***

About Me & The Page

Welcome! I’m a GIS enthusiast and geography blogger based in Owatonna, Minnesota. I believe that geography is the invisible foundation of modern life. Whether it's celebrating "Hidden Figures" like Dr. Gladys West, whose mathematical modeling of the geoid (the Earth's irregular shape) allows the GPS on your phone to work with sub-meter accuracy, or teaching you how to navigate the U.S. Census Bureau’s TIGER/Line files, my goal is to make spatial data accessible to everyone.

Why support this blog? GIS isn't just about software; it’s a multi-faceted system of hardware, data, and human methodology. It’s the difference between seeing a "flat" world and understanding the layers of economy, health, and history beneath our feet.

Education: I break down the high costs of entry. While industry standards like ArcGIS Pro can cost upwards of $4,200/year, I highlight powerful open-source alternatives like QGIS so anyone can start mapping for free.

Accessibility: I provide "roadmaps" to free data, helping researchers and curious minds find the right datasets among the millions available.

Legacy: I tell the stories of the pioneers who built the tools we use every day, ensuring their contributions—like West’s 42-year career at Dahlgren—are never forgotten.

Where Your Coffee Goes

Your donations don't just "buy a coffee"—they fuel the research, hosting, and time required to keep this GIS resource free and up-to-date. Specifically:

- Data Hosting & Research: Maintaining a library of high-quality GIS resources and tutorials.

- Open Access: Keeping my guides on finding and cleaning data free for students and non-profits.

- Tech Upkeep: Ensuring the blog stays live and compatible with the latest mapping trends of 2026.

Ready to help me map the future? Buy me a coffee and let’s keep exploring!