By Shahabuddin Amerudin
The article “A Software Developer’s Story” by Charlie Fitzpatrick and Carla Wheeler tells the story of Nate Ebel, a senior Android engineer at Premise Data in Seattle, Washington. Ebel credits his seventh-grade GIS class for sparking his interest in GIS, technology, and math. In the class, he learned how to use ArcView 3 desktop software to read a digital elevation model (DEM) and generate an elevation surface of Lewiston, Idaho. He later used the Python programming language and the ArcPy analysis package to automate a GIS project at his job at the Lewiston Public Works Department, which led him to pursue a career in software development. Ebel worked at Esri for several years, including as an intern, before moving on to Premise Data.
The article is an excellent example of how early exposure to GIS can lead to a career in software development. Ebel’s story is inspiring because it shows how a simple GIS project in seventh grade can have a profound impact on a person’s career trajectory. It is also a testament to the power of GIS in solving real-world problems. Ebel was able to use GIS technology to automate a project at his job, which saved time and money. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in software development, which has allowed him to continue solving real-world problems using technology.
The article also highlights the importance of GIS education in schools. GIS is a powerful technology that can be used to solve a wide range of real-world problems. However, many students are not exposed to GIS until they reach college or the workforce. By introducing GIS technology to students at a younger age, we can inspire the next generation of GIS professionals and help them develop the skills they need to solve the complex problems of the future.
One of the most important lessons from Ebel’s story is the value of learning how to code. In Ebel’s case, learning how to code in Python was a game-changer. It allowed him to automate a GIS project at his job and paved the way for a career in software development. Learning how to code is becoming increasingly important in many fields, including GIS. As GIS technology continues to evolve, the ability to write code will become an increasingly valuable skill for GIS professionals.
In conclusion, “A Software Developer’s Story” is an inspiring article that highlights the power of GIS technology and the importance of GIS education in schools. Nate Ebel’s story is a testament to the impact that GIS can have on a person’s career trajectory and the value of learning how to code. The article should be required reading for anyone interested in GIS or software development, and it is an excellent example of how GIS can be used to solve real-world problems.
Suggestion for Citation: Amerudin, S. (2023). Nate Ebel: How GIS Technology Sparked a Career in Software Development. [Online] Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6344 (Accessed: 12 April 2023).