UW’s Hamerlinck Appointed to U.S. National Geospatial Advisory Committee

The University of Wyoming's Jeff Hamerlinck recently was appointed to a three-year term on the U.S. National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC), a federal committee sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Hamerlinck was named the associate director of UW's School of Computing in 2023 and has served as director of UW's Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center (WyGISC) since 2004.

The NGAC provides advice and recommendations to the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), which is the lead entity in the federal executive branch for the development, implementation and review of policies, practices and standards relating to geospatial data.

Committee members provide advice and recommendations relating to the management of federal and national geospatial programs, development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and implementation of the 2018 Geospatial Data Act. In this role, the NGAC reviews and comments on geospatial policy and management issues and ensures the views of representatives of nonfederal interested parties involved in national geospatial activities are conveyed to the FGDC.

The NGAC also provides counsel and advice to the FGDC's chairperson -- the secretary of the Interior -- through the designated federal officer.

"I am honored to be appointed to the National Geospatial Advisory Council and for the opportunity to work alongside my fellow members to support the advancement of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure as a representative of the geospatial community's academic sector and the rural Mountain West region," Hamerlinck says. "Reflecting on my affiliation with UW's School of Computing, I hope to contribute to the NSDI's evolution in ways that highlight the connections between solving the world's most pressing challenges and a commitment to cross-disciplinary applied computing research and education."

UW School of Computing Director Gabrielle Allen says Hamerlinck's NGAC appointment is a "proud moment for our School of Computing."

"It reflects not only his incredible expertise but also the important role our faculty play in shaping national priorities," Allen says. "Having someone from Wyoming, and, specifically from our school at the table for these national conversations about geospatial science and data, shows just how impactful our work here in Wyoming is. It's inspiring to see our faculty recognized at this level, and I know Jeff will represent the University of Wyoming, the Mountain West region and the academic community with distinction."

As UW's School of Computing associate director, Hamerlinck is responsible for guiding development and operation of the school's research centers and data-centric research initiatives, including overseeing the Data Science Center and the Wyoming Innovation Partnership DataHub project.

During his time as WyGISC director, the center has tripled in size through research funding partnerships with numerous state and federal government agencies and nongovernment organizations. It was recognized for contributions to the geospatial community with a Catalyst Geospatial Excellence Award by the National States Geographic Information Council and a Spatial Achievement in GIS Award by the Environmental Systems Research Institute.

In 2020, WyGISC also launched a new suite of interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate geospatial credentials that continues to thrive.

Hamerlinck received his Ph.D. in geography from the University of Colorado-Boulder and maintains credentials as a certified Geographic Information Systems Professional and member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He currently serves as president of the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science.

To learn more about NGAC, click here.