DIGIT Lab – NHT Butterfield &
Central Wasatch Commission Projects

Role: Graduate Intern

Lab: DIGIT (University of Utah)

Tools: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, spatial analysis workflows, data cleaning
and schema refinement, web mapping

 Overview

Through DIGIT Lab, I supported applied GIS projects for NHT Butterfield and the Central Wasatch Commission. 

The work focused on turning fragmented spatial data into structured, usable datasets and decision ready map products for regional planning and land management.

These projects required balancing technical GIS work with real stakeholder needs.

What I worked on

• Cleaned and standardized spatial datasets from multiple sources

• Structured attribute schemas for consistency and long term maintainability

• Performed spatial analysis to support planning and land management questions

• Built and refined web maps for stakeholder use

• Assisted in translating technical GIS outputs into clear visual products

The problem

Regional planning efforts often rely on spatial data collected across agencies and time periods. Field names, projections, and attribute formats vary, which makes analysis and reporting difficult. Stakeholders need reliable spatial information but often do not have time to troubleshoot inconsistencies.

Without schema alignment and QA, analysis results can be misleading or difficult to reproduce.

My approach

I approached the work as both a data engineer and an analyst.

• Standardized coordinate systems and projections

• Cleaned and reconciled attribute tables

• Ensured fields were clearly defined and consistently formatted

• Verified spatial accuracy before analysis

• Designed map outputs that emphasized clarity over complexity

I focused on making datasets stable and interpretable before layering on analysis.

Key contributions

• Improved data consistency across partner datasets

• Produced spatial layers ready for planning and reporting

• Supported regional decision making through structured map products

• Helped bridge the gap between raw GIS data and stakeholder communication

• Strengthened reproducibility by documenting workflows

Outcome

• More reliable spatial datasets for planning use

• Clearer communication of spatial patterns and constraints

• Experience working in a collaborative research lab environment

• Direct exposure to applied regional GIS projects

This experience strengthens my ability to work at the intersection of research, planning, and real world spatial decision making, particularly within Utah’s regional governance context.