2021 IMAGIN Awards Ceremony

After postponing the 2021 Conference on Mackinac Island due to the pandemic, IMAGIN continues to support the GIS community in Michigan. The IMAGIN awards recognize the outstanding creativity & contributions of GIS professionals and organizations throughout the state.

GIS Innovation Award

THE 2020 IMAGIN INNOVATION AWARD WINNER IS:

City of Flint Planning & Development

Background

Keizzy Anpalagan who is a GIS Specialist at the City of Flint - Planning & Development Department has developed a  street light reporting application  that the public & government can utilize to track each street light. Streetlights in Flint are maintained by Consumers Energy and the City of Flint. All streetlights are on the map whether it is a High Pressure Sodium, Mercury, LED or Decorative Street Light. There are so many capabilities with this application, but the best may be giving the public a way of contributing to make their home safe. 

Highlights of the Operations Dashboard

  • City employee or resident can report a variety of problems with a street light, e.g. burnt out, flickering, broken / vandalized or on during the day.
  • Status reported in real-time limits calls to check on the problem
  • Reported date recorded immediately
  • Notification number is generated within 24 hours & can be used to track Consumers Energy's repair status
  • Helps Consumers Energy crews find street lights at vacant property
  • Dashboard statistics can be filtered by neighborhood

Keizzy's Background

  • Born & raised Canadienne from Toronto
  • Attended Ryerson University for Geographic Analysis / Science
  • Worked for over 7 years in the government & health industry
  • Employed with the City of Flint as a GIS Specialist for over 4 years

Congratulations to the City of Flint - Planning & Economic Development Department on being the 2021 IMAGIN GIS Innovation award winner!

GIS for Everyone Award

The 2021 IMAGIN GIS FOR EVERYONE AWARD WINNER IS:

Michigan State Police - Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division

As the Coronavirus started to become a concern in Michigan in early 2020, Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). GIS saw a need for an easy to digest display of data. An initial dashboard was created and shared within the SEOC. Shanna Martucci was the primary developer of the COVID dashboard with support from Nikkia Anderson.

Public data consumption

As COVID began to spread across the state the dashboard was shared publicly reporting a variety of COVID data including total cases, deaths, recovered, and maps of case data by county. The dashboard was being being utilized by media, local emergency managers, and the general public. 

Working in close coordination with Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services data is sent daily to maintain this dashboard that continues to be viewed by thousands per day as the pandemic continues. 

Nominator's Description of the Project

Shanna is a young GIS Analyst within the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security division. She created Michigan's official COVID-19 Summary dashboard that millions of Michiganders have visited to learn how COVID is currently affecting Michigan. With support from her colleague Nikkia Anderson, these two women made vital data available to Michigan's citizens which empowered all of us to take action and make decisions that have undoubtedly saved thousands of lives across our State. Shanna's and Nikkia's work on the dashboard goes largely uncredited and I feel that they are fantastic candidates for the GIS for Everyone award. 

Shanna's Background and IMAGIN Involvement

  • Geospatial Analyst with EMHSD since December 2018
  • Previously with FEMA as a Reservist Environmental and Historical Preservation Specialist
  • Bachelors of Science from Purdue University in Atmospheric Science
  • Masters of Professional Science from University of Miami in Natural Hazards and Catastrophes

Shanna presented at the 2019 IMAGIN conference.

On July 22, Shanna will present on development of the COVID dashboard as part of IMAGIN's Webinar Series. Register for the event on  IMAGIN's website .

Congratulations to the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division as being the 2021 IMAGIN GIS for Everyone Award recipient!

IMAGIN Scholarships

The 2021 IMAGIN graduate scholarship has been awarded to Jacqueline Akins who has just completed her first-year in Central Michigan University's GIS program. She has created a story map about the  Pine River contamination  in St. Louis, MI. Her graduate research project has focused on lake coastal management in Wisconsin related to property values, homeowners, and land splits/parcels.

Congratulations Jacqueline! Best of luck as you pursue your Master's Degree and work to fulfill your dream of working for NASA!


The 2021 IMAGIN undergraduate scholarship has been awarded to Donovan Vitale who is studying geophysical sciences at Western Michigan University. In 2019, Donovan's story map titled  Quarries of Monroe County, Michigan  won Esri's ArcGIS Online Competition for Schools.

Congratulations Donovan! Best of luck in pursuit of your bachelor's degree and your future endeavors!

Volunteer of The Year

Each year IMAGIN relies on non-elected volunteers to assist with making our organization a success. Oftentimes volunteers are called upon to help during the conference. Less frequently, members volunteer to assist all year long. This year's winner of the Volunteer of the Year award is one of those people.

The 2021 IMAGIN VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR IS:

Jessica Kane, Project Manager & GIS Developer - Line 45, LLC

Jessica has been an IMAGIN member for several years. Her company, Line 45, was a vendor sponsor at the 2019 conference.

Jessica has been coordinating content related to open source GIS resources for the digital IMAGINews. Whether providing blog posts, training opportunities, or other resources, Jessica has consistently met the deadlines to get the IMAGINews into your inboxes on time!

Jessica's continued support of IMAGIN has earned her recognition as our 2021 Volunteer of the Year.

Congratulations Jessica! You're the 2021 IMAGIN Volunteer of the Year.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge through the IMAGINews!


Geospatial Achievement Award

The IMAGIN Geospatial Achievement Award honors an IMAGIN member in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the IMAGIN organization, its geospatial professionals, colleagues, members and the public that it serves. The 2021 Geospatial Achievement Award Winner is Matt Malone!

Matt's Background

1993: Graduated from Western Michigan University with a B.S. in Geography & Earth Science (double major).

1994 - 2000: Assistant Director/GIS Analyst, Center for Applied Environmental Research at UofM-Flint.

2000 - 2004: During his tenure as the GIS Coordinator for Charter Township of Grand Blanc, GIS expanded and Matt assisted over 20 GIS users.

2001: Adjunct Lecturer at UofM-Flint where he developed & taught GIS courses along with assisting students in the GIS lab.

2003: Received Master of Science in Resource Development from Michigan State University.

2004 - Present: As GIS Coordinator for City of Farmington Hills, Matt has greatly expanded the geospatial resources offered to city departments and the public through ArcGIS Online. He also manages the city's enterprise-wide geospatial database along with providing training classes for all GIS users.

2004: Added Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) certification to his list of achievements and has maintained his certification since then.

2007 - 2017: Chairman & Vice-Chair of the City of Walled Lake Planning Commission.

January 1993 – First week of his geography internship at National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.

Matt's IMAGIN Involvement

  • Served on the IMAGIN Board in the mid-2000s.
  • 2008 - Volunteer of the Year award recipient.
  • 2020 - Farmington Hills wins the GIS for Everyone award with Matt accepting the award on behalf of the city.
  • As a regular conference attendee and presenter, Matt also attends IMAGIN workshops and has volunteered to be a judge in the Student Poster & Paper Competition.

Matt's Personal Interests

  • Matt is passionate about studying weather phenomena! Check out his Facebook group,  Michigan Weather Geek , for lots of great maps and info about all things related to Michigan's weather craziness!
  • Currently, Matt is a Weather Forecaster for Great Lakes Weather & Climate where he assists with forecasting, analysis and mapping for their 125,000 Facebook group members.
  • Matt & his family (wife, Laurie & sons, Alex & Liam) have enjoyed several memory-filled trips to places like Hawaii & Washington, D.C.

    • Matt enjoys photography and takes some stunning photos of the nature near his home.
  • Volunteers as the Audio/Visual Technician for the Children's Ministry at Orchard Grove Community Church.

Oct 2015 – Checking out Cranbrook Institute of Science with my son, Liam, and the rest of the family.

Kelly Monico, Director of Central Services at the City of Farmington Hills, on Matt:

“Matt has worked for the City of Farmington Hills since 2004. In that time he has been instrumental in hundreds of projects that impact the residents & businesses in the City. His professionalism, creativity and knowledge of GIS has helped to literally change the landscape, in this community. It is not a surprise to any of us that Matt would be considered for this honor. He is and has been Rock Star and we are grateful that he has shared his time & talents with us. Congratulations Matt!!!” 

Matthew Dingman, City Assessor at the City of Farmington Hills, on Matt:

“Matt Malone is an integral part of our organization. The Assessing Division has become heavily reliant on using GIS to verify and analyze data and rarely a day goes by which we do not use the tools which Matt has developed to help us succeed."

"He is constantly looking for new and unique ways to create maps, data sets, and tools for us to improve our processes and meet state requirements. Matt also has the ability to explain technical terms and processes in a way that my staff is able to understand and utilize quickly. He is always willing to go the extra mile to help when asked and deliver results that exceed my expectations every time.”

Karen Mondora, Director of Public Services at the City of Farmington Hills, on Matt:

“Matt Malone’s work has made a difference in the daily operation of the Public Services Department. His skill and expertise make our jobs easier and more productive. He is always willing and enthusiastic when called on for assistance."

"Two specific projects he helped make successful are the passage of the 2018 local road millage and the deployment and maintenance of our DPW CMMS. He creatively prepared countless exhibits and maps to support voter outreach efforts. This millage generates $10 Million per year for the City."

"Not only is Matt our in-house GIS expert, but he also shares his knowledge and passion for GIS. He empowers and trains staff to use GIS productively and is always working on enhancements to the user experience.”

Jeff King, Police Chief at the City of Farmington Hills, on Matt:

“Matt Malone has provided vital GIS information and technical support that has proven invaluable in criminal investigations, emergency incidents and major Incident Action Plans. Matt’s contributions have played a significant role in the success of these critical Police Department Operations and Investigations.” 

Jon Unruh, Fire Chief at the City of Farmington Hills, on Matt:

“GIS Coordinator Matt Malone is a true partner in Farmington Hills Public Safety. The mapping resources Matt provides to our organization is invaluable, it positively impacts the service we provide to the citizens while keeping our staff safe.”

Ellen Schnackel, Director of Special Services at the City of Farmington Hills, on Matt:

“Matt exhibits great knowledge of his position and remains dedicated to the success of our City. He regularly exhibits critical thinking and excellent problem-solving skills. Matt offers charisma to co-workers and truly excels in interpersonal relationships."

"Matt’s commitment to the needs of my Department have been first-class. Two (2) major projects rise to the surface when I think about Matt’s positive contributions: The first is the Heritage Park Story Map. This interactive product provides an excellent resource for guests and staff to explore our 211-acre park. It is very user friendly and offers a wide range of interesting information. Matt took the lead on this project and performed well."

"The second is Matt’s involvement with mapping and tracking the deer population within Farmington and Farmington Hills. As residents voiced concerns about a perceived overpopulation, Matt was able to create a way to count deer from the air as well as track their movement from year to year. The data collected has been extremely valuable to City staff to engage in conversation with neighboring communities and the Department of Natural Resources."

Barbara Saunders, Principal Supervisor at DTE, on Matt:

“I have always been impressed and thankful for Matt Malone as a peer GIS professional. His perspectives are always open minded and collaborative, which is the essence of what we all do in our positions. Thank you Matt and congratulations on your Geospatial Achievement Award.”

Ann Burns, Manager of Geospatial Technology at SEMCOG, on Matt:

“Congratulations Matt on your award! Such a well-deserved award with all of the great work you are doing and have done over the years at Farmington Hills. You have always been a great partner within southeast Michigan. I look forward to our continued work together!”

Pete Schneider, GISP, GIS System Analyst at Ottawa County, on Matt:

“Matt is one of the few people I have met during my time with IMAGIN that has continued to willingly volunteer his time. Matt has shown time and time again that he will go out of his way to volunteer his time and expertise towards the advancement of IMAGIN and its members. Pairing his willingness to volunteer with his considerable professional accomplishments, it is clear that Matt is a very worthy recipient of the IMAGIN Geospatial Achievement Award. Congratulations Matt – you’ve earned it!”

Keri Blough, Geospatial Application Services Manager for the City of Novi, on Matt:

"As a resident of Farmington Hills, I greatly appreciate the online maps & apps Matt has created for the public. Working for a neighboring community, I constantly benefit from Matt's willingness to share his knowledge, especially if a technology change may impact Novi's own online maps."

"I have always enjoyed Matt's presentation at each IMAGIN Conference that we have attended. Even when the power went out (as it did once at Great Wolf Lodge), Matt continued describing his slides and then picked right up when the power came back on. Conference attendees have learned so much from Matt over the years!"

"From Chris & I, thank you, Matt, for your friendship and professional support over the years! Congratulations on receiving the Geospatial Achievement Award!"

Jason Taylor, PhD, Director of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, on Matt:

"The photo and maps (shown to the right) are from 1996/1997 and our time at the Regional Groundwater Center, at UM Flint. Matt worked there (he made the maps), and I was a student intern at the time. I can't remember the GPS model, but our mapping work was done with ArcView 3.1. It feels like a lifetime ago, and I guess it was. Matt was in the early days of his geospatial career, and he was already leading the way. It's with certainty that I say, working at the RGC and with Matt was a pivotal time for me, and created a career path not otherwise possible. I will always be grateful. Thanks, Matt!!"

This is Matt.

Your 2021 IMAGIN Geospatial Achievement Award recipient.

Congratulations, Matt from all of us at IMAGIN!

Credits

Thank you to all who submitted pictures, well wishes, and nominations. The Awards Ceremony would not have been the same without your help.

Keri Blough

City of Novi

Matt Malone

City of Farmington Hills

Kelly Monico

City of Farmington Hills

Janet Mocadlo

SEMCOG

Pete Schneider

Ottawa County

Jason Taylor

Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute

Tom Van Bruggen

Muskegon County

January 1993 – First week of his geography internship at National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.

Oct 2015 – Checking out Cranbrook Institute of Science with my son, Liam, and the rest of the family.