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For printable image click here. John Callahan UD photo by Kathy F. Atkinson

John Callahan, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) coordinator for the University of Delaware and an information resource consultant in Information Technologies-User Services, last month received the 2007 Geographic Community Service Award for his contributions to Delaware's community of geographic data users at the annual Delaware GIS Conference in Dover.

The award focused on Callahan's efforts to build a statewide geospatial data infrastructure. He was cited for his leadership and expertise in creating or expanding a range of network-accessible mapping and data distribution services, including web-based, interactive UD campus maps, an interactive, integrated online base map for Delaware, a clearing house for information (metadata) about Delaware's geospatial data; and other web sites providing easy access to data sets and imagery.

Callahan, of Newark, currently serves on the Delaware Geographic Data Committee, a cooperative effort among state agencies, UD, county and municipal governments and others to build a Delaware GIS community and improve the coordination and use of GIS and spatial data in Delaware.

Callahan was lead designer on the Delaware Data Mapping and Integration Laboratory (DataMIL) team of UD and state employees, which received the U.S. Geological Survey highest honor, the 2003 John Wesley Powell award, for developing the foremost pilot project of the National Map using Internet mapping service technology. He also played an important role in the transition when DataMIL became part of the state government in Dover.

Joining the UD staff in 2001, Callahan received his degree in physics and mathematics from Temple University and has spent several years in the UD Department of Geography's graduate program. He said he is largely self-taught in a rapidly expanding field and is always looking into the latest geospatial technology, giving advice, working with students and staff, teaching classes and talking at conferences. Callahan said he loves what he is doing. “Even if I won the lottery, I would continue to do what I'm doing now,” he said.

Media contact: Martin Mbugua, (302) 831-8749, [mbugua@udel.edu]
June 5, 2007