Dan Ashley
GIS Technician | Bellingham, WA
I am a certified UAV operator interested in photogrammetry and the applications of high-resolution raster data. I am also intrigued by coastal change modeling and 3D spatial data. I am eager to assist in translating complex spatial data into usable information which would contribute to a more informed public about dynamic environmental issues. I graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Geography and GIS and am now looking to transition back into the field as a GIS Technician. Below I have detailed several of the projects I have worked on, please let me know if you have any questions.
Coastal Bluff Erosion on Whidbey Island Between: 2001-2014
The focus of this study was to determine to what degree the feeder bluffs on a section of Whidbey Island changed between the two dates and if it was statistically significant. I accomplished this task by utilizing LIDAR-derived digital elevation models collected in each of the two years and determining overall change. I then isolated the bluff extent based on the mean higher high-water elevation and the upper extent of the bluff. The results indicated that 81.81% of the bluff extent within the study area experienced a change between 2001 and 2014.
Identifying Unpermitted Irrigation: Whatcom County, Washington
This study was conducted as part of an internship through Western Washington University's Center for Economic and Business Research. The goal was to begin to create a methodology which could be used to determine the acreage of crops within Whatcom County that were being irrigated without an associated water right to irrigate. I was able to approximate the number of acres of irrigated crops within the County that did not have an associated water right to irrigate, with limitations. At the end of my internship, the study was still ongoing
Hypothetical Proposed Salmon Aquaculture Site
I conducted a site selection evaluation as part of a team conducting an environmental impact assessment. The objective was to determine a suitable site for a salmon aquaculture operation in Whatcom County, WA. Using 8-parameters, I determined three potential site locations. The final site, which was recommended to the team was located within Hale Passage and met all 8-parameters.
