2025
Comparably’s Best Company Outlook
Service
GIS and Geospatial Data
The best decisions start with data that is accurate, up-to-date, and readily available at the project team’s fingertips.
We Want to Hear From You
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Christian Hartnett
Practice Technologies Vice President
Locke Brillhart
Technology Data Solutions Vice President
Overview
SWCA’s GIS and geospatial services deliver advanced solutions that empower clients with precise and actionable insights. Our team of experts harnesses state-of-the-art geospatial technologies and tools to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data, facilitating informed decision-making across diverse projects. By seamlessly integrating GIS with environmental science, we provide comprehensive mapping and spatial analysis that enhance project planning, resource management, and environmental assessments.
Our data acquisition services are designed to streamline the collection and management of environmental data. We employ a combination of traditional methods and modern technologies, such as remote sensing and drone surveys, to gather accurate and comprehensive datasets. This data-driven strategy supports clients in achieving regulatory compliance, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing project outcomes.
Focused on people, clients, processes, and tailored technology strategies for any project around the world, SWCA is a trusted partner to our clients. From improving efficiencies and process, to developing focused solutions to better manage project efforts, our team is ready to help.
Data Acquisition
There is no one size fits all when it comes to project-based sensor, deployment, and information delivery options. For SWCA, working from the “Data-Up” is a holistic problem-solving approach that begins with listening to client concerns and the science surrounding their projects so pain points and data blind-spots can be identified.
We actively capture and fuse relevant project data in near real time employing a myriad of sensors (payloads/cameras) using robots operating from land, sea, air, and space. Every project is different, and our data acquisition planners are committed to the development of solutions tailored to each client.
SWC.ai, our Digital Geospatial Visual Intelligence & Data Fusion Platform, leverages a powerful AI engine driving the rapid rendering of granular actionable intelligence from massive multi-terabyte datasets. SWC.ai is an interactive portal to strategic digital information where clients can intuitively view, analyze, annotate, report, share, download, and render critical intelligence in support of key project decisions and reporting.
Relevant Services
- 3D Modeling/As-built
- Application Development
- Archaeological Site Mapping
- Assessment and Remediation
- Confined Space UAS
- Construction Monitoring
- DoD Environmental Compliance
- Endangered Species Monitoring
- Energy, Petrochemical, and Mining Facility Monitoring
- Invasive Species Monitoring
- Photogrammetry/LiDAR
- Remote Sensing
- Risk-Based Decision Support Systems
- Satellite Imagery Analysis
- Sonar
- Statistical Analytics & Modeling
- Storm Water/Erosion Monitoring
- Structure from Motion (SFM)
- Thermal Mapping
- UAS Land Survey
- UAS Program Development/Management
- Underwater ROV
- Vegetation Density Reporting
- Vertical Asset Inspection
- Wetland Mapping
Geographic Information System (GIS)
SWCA’s enterprise geographic information system (GIS) platform, including web and mobile services, enables secure data sharing across the organization in real time, allowing managers to remotely monitor fieldwork results and helping decision-makers respond quickly to new information. Clients no longer have to guess or imagine how the finished project site will look. With spatial modeling tools that simulate real-world conditions, SWCA can accurately “predict” the visual aspect of project outcomes.
With an integrated team of geospatial data and information technology professionals, our comprehensive services include GIS, GPS, database management, and custom web and mobile application development. In addition to the use of industry-standard software platforms, SWCA leverages the latest commercial and open-source development tools for the web, Android and iOS devices to develop custom applications to support project needs.
Relevant Services
- 3D Mapping and Visualization
- AutoCAD Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Cartography
- Comprehensive Research Planning
- Data Management and Integration
- Data Mining and Spatial Data Acquisition
- Drone Data Capture
- Geo-Statistical Analysis
- Geospatial Analysis
- GIS and Database Design, Development, and Implementation
- GPS Custom Form Development, Data Collection, and Post-Processing
- Impact Assessment and Mitigation Planning
- Land Cover and Vegetation Mapping
- Land Use Planning
- LiDAR Data Acquisition, Analysis, and Mapping
- Linear Corridor Siting and Routing
- On-site Wastewater Risk Mapping
- Probability and Depositional Modeling
- Remote Sensing and Image Processing
- Spatial Analysis and 3D Modeling
- Statistical Analysis and Modeling
- Site Suitability Analysis
- Visual Simulations and Resource Inventories
- Web and Mobile GIS Design and Custom Application Development
- Wildlife Habitat, Cultural Resources, and Wetland Mapping
- Wildfire Hazard Data Collection, Analysis, and Modeling
- Wind Farm Planning and Siting
Meet the Experts
Practice Technologies Vice President
Christian Hartnett
Christian has been with SWCA for 13 years and oversees SWCA’s centralized geospatial, UAV/drone, remote sensing, satellite, and field data collection products and services.
Technology Data Solutions Vice President
Locke Brillhart
Locke is SWCA’s Vice President of Technology and Data Solutions. He oversees the Business Solutions/ERP operations and planning team, collaboration software team, custom software development, and data science teams.
Business Application Architect
Jennifer Rideout
Jennifer leads virtual public involvement for SWCA’s Technology Solutions team. She leverages engagement strategies and web development to support project communications needs for a wide range of clients.
Principal Data Acquisition Program Manager
Merlin Benner
Merlin is a certified wildlife biologist and licensed aerial drone pilot who who loves to teach others about nature and solve conflicts related to natural resources. He lives in Alaska and manages SWCA’s data acquisition program, supporting clients nationwide with cutting edge information collection and delivery technology.
Senior Data Scientist • Raleigh-Durham
Joshua Bailey
Joshua uses spatial data science and geographic information systems to develop cutting-edge workflows. He uses the latest technology including artificial intelligence, spatial analysis, network analysis, the use of computer programming languages, and much more. He also develops and facilitates utility-scale renewable energy projects as a Land Development Specialist.
Joshua was also named the 2024 Second Quarter Lawrence S. Semo Scientific Achievement Award winner.
Impact In Action
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The power of location intelligence allows us to map features, visualize data and manage development.
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Chris Bockey explains how visual resources are an important aspect of environmental planning.
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SWCA's growing Drone/AI data collection team is advancing projects like desert tortoise monitoring.
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