OIT GIS team member Grant Smith’s innovation creates the maps that improve and simplify work so the state can better serve Coloradans.
The OIT GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, team collects and analyzes geographic and spatial data to create maps that the state uses for environmental science, urban planning, transportation and broadband coverage, to name a few.
Grant recently worked on a project with the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) to develop field mapping applications for a soil health program, helping educate farmers and local producers across the state on healthy soil practices. Grant created the maps and applications that CDA uses in the field to collect real-time data, vastly improving work efficiency.
Grant is recognized for embodying the OIT Core Value of Innovation for his work on the GeoPortal, Colorado’s GIS enterprise server platform. Grant’s work is advancing statewide GIS on an unprecedented scale.
“His innovations usher our team and services into a modern era, allowing us to address the challenges and business needs across the state,” says GIS Manager Jackie Montes.
According to Grant, the most rewarding part of his role is showing GIS's power and ability to reveal new insights through spatial data. His work makes processes and workflows seamless and efficient, which benefits everyone working at the state.