The Geologic Information Center (GIC) publishes and delivers Division-generated geologic information to the public and maintains and improves public access to Alaska's geologic and earth science information. Advances in computer technology have resulted in faster preparation of maps and reports and a wider awareness of DGGS's available Alaska geologic resources. This section designs, implements, maintains, and improves a database for the Division's digital and map-based geological, geophysical, and geochemical data; a database for the Division's physical samples; interactive maps; and websites for the Division and the Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission. Read more about the GIC's role at DGGS.
Chief, Geologic Information Section - Mike Hendricks is a Geospatial Analyst & Chief of the Alaska Geologic Information Center which provides information technology, publication, illustration, cartography, and GIS support to the Division, other State and Federal organizations, as well as the general public. In addition, he servers as the Division GIS Coordinator and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Data Manager and Technical Expert, where he develops geospatial databases, GIS web services, tools, models, maps, and training programs to support the Division's geologic mission.
Tom is the division's resident personal computer medic. He has a knack for successfully diagnosing and treating a multitude of symptoms-from the "blue screen of death" to corrupt drivers to obscure settings in Windows and Outlook. He's charged with retiring equipment that can no longer keep up, and setting up all new computer hardware.
Kristen is tasked with publishing DGGS maps and reports as specified in AS 41.08.030: "Printing and Distribution of Reports. The state geologist shall print and publish an annual report and other special and topical reports and maps as may be desirable for the benefit of the State, including the printing or reprinting of reports and maps by other persons or agencies, where the authorization to do so is obtained." Kristen creates the layout, tracks the publications through the process, coordinates between authors and outside reviewers, prepares publications for posting online, and distributes them to agencies, libraries, the Governor and legislative members, as needed.
A Certified GIS Professional, Amy brought her GIS skills to DGGS in 2021. Her interests and experience have centered on hazard mapping with previous stints at the Alaska Earthquake Center and the Earth Observatory of Singapore. At DGGS she helps to maintain the data hosted on the DGGS Enterprise Geoportal and to support staff in their mapping, cartography and geospatial database publication efforts.
Simone is a geologist tasked with a wide variety of duties necessary to provide readily accessible geologic information to the public and to ensure systematic stewardship of legacy data. Her work includes ongoing development and maintenance of the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys online publications library, organizing modern geologic data for online distribution, and overseeing DGGS's continually growing inventory of published and unpublished historic geologic data. Simone compiles all of the division's metadata files and has over ten years of experience working with the FGDC metadata standards. Simone routinely uses several programming languages and technologies including SQL, PHP, HTML, CSS, XML, and JSP. She also manages the division's field safety and communication equipment cache and serves as chairperson for the DGGS Field Operations Safety committee.
Oralee joined DGGS in 2019 as a Systems Programmer to feed and care for the DGGS servers and environment in which they live. With a focus on availability and integrity, she manages hardware and software responsible for storing, processing, and sharing DGGS' large data collections. Responding to the department's current IT needs and developing notable solutions such as the portable field portals, or completing any task in response to, "I've got something for you...", keeps her hopping - all while maintaining useful documentation for future reference.
As an application and database designer, Susan works with geologists and IT personnel to help design, develop, and implement databases, web applications and internal tools for data management, quality control, and delivery. She supports existing applications such as the DGGS website, publications interface, geochemistry, Map Index, and various other projects. She also fulfills the database administrator duties by troubleshooting, analyzing, modifying, and documenting database design and code for the DGGS (GERILA) PostgresSQL database.
