GIS Expert Contributes to Eminent Domain Dispute

Case Overview

These cases involve a state authority taking private property for government use. Some examples including a freeway being widened at the expense of a small business, and a roadway expanding at the expense of multiple homes in a middle class neighborhood. It was claimed that the property was taken by the government despite viable alternative plans that would have spared the property owners, and that the government had not adequately considered alternative plans before making the decision to seize the land. An expert in GIS was requested to evaluate the lands that were taken and discuss possible alternative to government plans.

Questions to the Engineering expert and their responses

Please briefly describe your experience with the subject matter in question.

I have worked in various municipalities which involve land and the use of different GIS systems. I also have worked with a commercial real estate company where I needed to show research reports for businesses and investors worth billions of dollars. I have dealt with many industries (Electric, Gas, Marketing, Municipalities, and Commercial real estate) where a location is crucial in order to prevent accidents or disasters (electric and gas) or legal problems when buying new land or building new developments. I am capable of examining the lands in question and delivering maps that could be used to establish whether alternative arrangements would have proved equally as effective.

About the expert

This expert on GIS obtained his BS in Computer Information Systems from the University of the Pacific and his certification in Geographic Information Systems from the University of North Texas. He completed his Internship in GIS at Collin County, TX and the City of Garland and is currently a GIS Coordinator for a major southwestern electric company and a level II Operation Analyst at a city in Texas.