Insights from GIS Day at Harford Community College

November 15, 2023 marked an insightful celebration of GIS Day at Harford Community College, where aspiring GIS students had the privilege of gaining valuable insights from Matt, Founder of Datastory. Matt’s presentation, titled “Location Intelligence: A Game-Changer for Businesses,” shed light on how Datastory is empowering businesses of all sizes to make informed decisions using geospatial technology.

At the heart of Matt’s presentation was the impactful role that Datastory plays in assisting businesses with market development, category management, customer segmentation, and more. The event, hosted as part of Harford Community College’s GIS Data Event, provided a platform for sharing the transformative power of location intelligence in the business world.

Notably, Matt serves on the Advisory Board for Harford Community College in his hometown of Bel Air, Maryland. As the Founder of Datastory with nearly 30 years of experience, he leads product development efforts for location intelligence solutions, contributing to the growth and success of the GIS community.

In a significant development earlier this year, Harford Community College was awarded a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education grant amounting to $427,181. This grant aims to facilitate pathways into the College’s Geospatial Technology Program over the next three years, fostering education and innovation in this dynamic field. Read more about the NSF grant here.

Situated in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, between Baltimore and Philadelphia, Harford Community College is surrounded by diverse businesses that stand to benefit from geospatial technologies, including healthcare, education, national security, and commerce. The college’s proximity to Aberden Proving Ground, the headquarters for 11 major commands of the US Army, brings a substantial economic impact, equivalent to that of 5 Fortune 500 companies, to Harford County. Learn more about Aberdeen Proving Ground.

For a captivating glimpse into Harford County, Maryland, explore the Datastory created by Matt and his team here. This immersive story map showcases the dynamic intersection of geography and intelligence, providing a unique perspective on the region.

As we reflect on GIS Day 2023, it’s clear that the fusion of location intelligence and business strategy is driving innovation and shaping the future. Matt’s commitment to advancing geospatial technology and his involvement with Harford Community College underscore the collaborative efforts needed to propel the GIS community forward. The journey towards harnessing the power of spatial data for informed decision-making is indeed an exciting one, and events like these serve as a testament to the transformative impact of GIS in our interconnected world.