rsoden

Bio

Robert is a developer at Development Seed where he leads mapping and data visualization projects. His background in GIS and international development makes him a great resource when we’re tasked with transforming our clients’ data into easy-to-use tools that deliver high value to researchers and policy makers. In this realm, he recently led a project that greatly improved access to basic GIS data in seven African countries that international development agencies and others need to do their work by extending the data set in Open Street Map.

Robert maps a lot of things in Drupal, and he spends a lot of his time working on modules like GeoRSS and KML parser to do this. If you're into mapping, look for Robert to pick his brain on the best ways to do this in Drupal.

Before coming to Development Seed, Robert held technology and research positions at a number of progressive organizations, including the World Resources Institute, the Smithsonian, and Chicago’s Center for Neighborhood Technology. His responsibilities have varied and included GIS, policy research, data analysis, and communications strategy. He draws from this diversity of experience to help quickly identify needs, flesh out user stories, and fine tune workflows on the projects he works on. His experience as a Drupal site builder and themer means he can quickly turn ideas into working online tools and nail the details each time.

Robert holds Master’s Degrees in International Affairs and Natural Resources and Sustainable Development from American University and the United Nations University for Peace.