GIS and Remote Sensing Portfolio
South Carolina COVID-19 Response
I created a Dashboard that multiple state agencies and partners used daily, I've run geospatial analysis to select testing sites and vaccination sites. I have conducted analyses that informed where the SC National Guard sent medics, PPE, and ventilators. My analyses have been used in every aspect of the statewide response. SC National Guard leadership used my analyses to determine where and when to send soldiers and resources.
GIS is all about making more effective and efficient decisions. I am honored to be part of such a monumental effort and to have the opportunity to use my skills to make an impact. It feels amazing to work for an agency with leaders who integrate GIS into every facet of decision-making.
The Urban Morphology of Hyderabad, India: A Historic-Geographic Analysis
How did we get here? We adapt our current needs to the existing infrastructure and make some alterations as we are able.
I used a mixed methods approach to quantifying urban build up area using historic maps, Landsat 1-8 images, and archival documents to study the urban morphology of Hyderabad, India. Specifically, I explore how historical processes shape Hyderabad, India. I explore how Greek philosophy influenced Islamic cosmology and those contributions to urban design in 15th century South Asia. I examine the impacts the 1908 Musi river flood and early 20th century pandemics had on reshaping the 20th century city. Finally, I explore how globalization is currently reshaping the urban morphology of Hyderabad.
To the top left, urban buildup of Hyderabad, India from 1687-1944 using historical map analysis to delineate urban extent. Next to that is Hyderabad urban land classification in 1975 using Landsat-1 data. To the top left is Hyderabad urban classification in 2015 using Landsat-8. To the bottom left is City improvement board projects after the 1908 flood. Finally, the bottom right shows 4 centuries of urban growth in Hyderabad.
Campus Visitor Map
I created this map while a GIS graduate assistant at the Western Michigan University Facilities Management Engineering office. While most of my work consisted of utility systems, I also worked on cartographic products for campus visitors.
The biggest achievement I made in this position was to change the symbology for campus maps to follow the Western Michigan University brand standard. Branding and cartography go hand and hand. Brand standards usually don't consider cartography. Therefore, they need to be adapted to conform to cartographic uses. I used the Western Michigan University visual identity brand standard to make Western Michigan University maps pop using our brand's color pallet.
Conservation Mapping
Conservation is all about partnerships. I made this map for a Congaree Land Trust publication to visualize the conservation outputs that the CLT in partnership with public and private organizations have had protecting the Cowasee Basin from multiple types of encroachment. The Cowasee Basin is a complex and valuable environment. The biological diversity in this area requires data analysis, geodesign, and cartography to make effective conservation decisions. There are limited resources to address conservation, making GIS a critical component to ensuring effective and efficient use of resources.
Utility Systems Mapping
This series of maps are part of a dry weather stormwater monitoring plan for Western Michigan University. I produced reference maps for engineering consulting firms. These maps are used to help firms locate utility infrastructure. For this project, simple maps with high-resolution aerial imagery were used to convey the information.
Digital Photogrammetry: Structure from Motion (Sfm)
I did a project for a rock quarry where I calculated their stockpile volume. I used a structure-from-motion methodology using Pix4D digital photogrammetry software to process data I collected from a Phantom 4 Pro drone.
Using drones and structure-from-motion photogrammetry, stockpile volumes could be calculated safely, effectively, and more efficiently than manual techniques for calculating volumetrics.
Environmental Transportation Planning
I produced transportation maps and data as part of a site planning analysis for a natural resource management project for a nonprofit.
Where should a new conservation education center go? Now we know.
UAS w/ Thermal Infrared
Placing thermal infrared sensors on drones is a powerful method to minimize the costs of deer counts.
I flew a DJI Inspire 2 drone with a thermal infrared sensor to count deer in a thick forest with a canopy. Using this technology, deer can be easily counted through thick vegetation. Instead of sending teams out to walk the woods in grid patterns, a small team with a drone can survey a large area in a fraction of the time it took old school methods. Geospatial technology is all about making the job easier, while also making it more efficient and effective.
High Resolution Orthomosic and 3D Modeling using UAS
High resolution imagery is expensive. Drones offer the possibility of cm spatial resolution. Municipal governments can implement UAS programs and always have the best imagery.
Drones can be used to make 3D models of places and objects. These models are quantifiable. Measurements can be taken from them at the accuracy of a milometer.
Aeropads are ground control points that collect GNSS data to make geometric to 3D models.
These models were created at Western Michigan University using a DJI Inspire 2. and Pix4D photogrammetry software.
Analysis of SAT Scores in South Carolina
Higher Education is the cornerstone of democracy. SAT scores are a key indicator of measuring college readiness. I visualized SAT data from 2021 to explore the educational landscape of South Carolina. This analysis shows there is a lot of work that needs to be done before South Carolina is nationally competitive.
Spatial analysis is a powerful tool for educational assessment. Mapping data helps tell important stories in engaging ways that have the power to change the game.
Archival Research and
Remote Sensing
When people think of big data they think of huge datasets that require AI and machine learning to identify patterns. However, the biggest and perhaps most complex data sets of all are found in physical records from thousands of years of human innovation.
I conducted archival research in Hyderabad, India as part of my remote sensing geography thesis. Remote sensing is a powerful tool for earth observation, but it can only be understood in a social, historical, and economic context. I often use a mixed-methods approach to supplement remote sensing and GIS analysis.
Banding Neo-Tropical Migratory birds for the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship(MAPS)Program
I participate in the SC National Guard MAPS bird banding program. MAPS is a continent-wide collaboration to conserve birds and their habitats. We set up bird nets to target neo-tropical migratory species. We collect key demographic information about the birds. The SC National Guard uses this data to monitor the health of our neo-tropical migratory habitat on our land.
We get up super early to drop the nets and wait for these cute little birds to pay us a visit. My favorite bird species to interact with are Northern Cardinals. They have lots of attitude and big personalities.
© 2019 by Kevin Haynes