On Thursday, February 24th, 12-1 pm, OPEN will be hosting a virtual presentation on "Mapping Impact, Applying Geospatial Tools for More Effective Project Evaluation" by Jennifer Billman, Nicole Ernst, and Alyssa Hokky.

Geospatial technology transforms the way evaluators assess project performance by providing a spatial dimension to data analysis, making evaluation insights more actionable and accessible. By integrating spatial insights, evaluators can visualize key metrics, support data-driven decision-making, and enhance community engagement. This demonstration will showcase how geospatial tools—including ArcGIS Online, Survey123, maps, dashboards, Business Analyst Online, and story maps—can be applied to evaluation workflows. Participants will learn how to collect and integrate spatial and non-spatial data, map project impacts, and apply spatial analysis techniques to uncover trends and inform strategic decisions. Through live demonstrations and real-world case studies, attendees will see how these tools improve project assessment and transparency. Participants will gain practical knowledge to incorporate geospatial tools into their evaluation practice, fostering greater collaboration, accessibility, and impact in their work.

More about our presenters:

• Jennifer Billman, Ph.D., Senior Research & Evaluation Associate, at The Rucks Group. A former college professor, Jennifer brings a passion for creating evaluation materials that are engaging, interactive, and informative. Her work increasingly explores how tools like ArcGIS can strengthen evaluation design and insight.
• Nicole Ernst, Professional Development Director, Geospatial Technology Consortium of Community Colleges & Geospatial Technology Professor, Harrisburg Area Community College. Nicole is a professor of geospatial technology who lives at the intersection of maps, data, and real-world decision-making. She teaches students and colleagues how to turn spatial chaos into insight.

• Alyssa Hokky, P.S.M., Research and Evaluation Associate, The Rucks Group. Alyssa brings an analytical perspective grounded in biology, STEM education, and evaluation practice. She works at the intersection of data, GIS, and evaluation to turn complex datasets into clear evidence of project outcomes that support learning and decision-making.