Introducing our latest Brand Ambassador Bradford Folta from Minnesota, USA:
If you are a surveyor: Where did you study? What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? How did you get into surveying? I am an Insistute Executive Director, Owner, Geospatial Architect, & Geomatic Engineer. I help collect and prepare data for different industry-specific workflows that assist other professionals in being better at their job. I help people communicate and make better decisions with data essentially.
How long have you been in the industry? Since 2008
Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? MnLIS/GIS Consortium, ESRI Silver Partner
Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? When I was younger I was told I had too many interests. That was going to be my downfall according to one teacher. I love history, technology, and science. So I went into Geology and still didn’t feel in my spot… then I added Geomatics and wow! I found my groove. Why did I mention all of that? Because that’s why I want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador. I didn’t have any mentors or guidance that got me to where I am, I had to find it myself, it’s not a fun journey. So I am really here to help the next me, get an idea, and find their passion earlier.
Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? We literally design the real and digital world. Metaphorically we construct the reality in which people live. Without us, it would be a scary non-uniform place. That said, it would only be this way for humans.
What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? Bring GIS and Geomatics to students.
What are your hobbies? Scuba diving, photography, hiking, camping.
If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? Honey Badger with a GPS pole
What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? a 16personalities type with the different folks or jobs in the industry with a small description on each.
Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? Public speaking events! I have a room we could use here to do it.