In this episode of Pathfinders, we sit down with Nikolas (Dr. S) Smilovsky, PhD, GISP, a passionate advocate for the GIS industry. Nick's love for mapping began in childhood, fueled by fantasy maps and an intrinsic curiosity about the world. His career spans teaching at Arizona State University and leading the geospatial enablement team at Bad Elf, where he helps organizations implement cutting-edge GIS technology. Nik's journey required significant tenacity, from translating complex concepts for diverse audiences to navigating technical challenges. Through it all, he remains humble, inspired by the brilliant minds around him and dedicated to empowering the next generation of GIS professionals.
"Listen twice as much, talk half as much. Understand what you're good at, and put people around you who are better than you."
Passion
Nik's passion for GIS ignited in childhood, influenced by fantasy maps and a love for spatial thinking. His fascination with geographic information systems grew through his academic pursuits in history and anthropology, eventually leading him to a diverse career in GIS. Whether teaching at Arizona State University or working with advanced GPS technology, Nick's enthusiasm for mapping and spatial analysis drives his dedication to the field and inspires those around him.
Action
Nik's career is marked by proactive efforts to advance GIS technology and education. At Arizona State University, he empowers students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful GIS careers. As the leader of Bad Elf's geospatial enablement team, Nik supports organizations in implementing high-accuracy GPS systems and improving their geospatial capabilities. His hands-on approach in both academia and industry highlights his commitment to practical applications of GIS and fostering innovation.
Tenacity
Throughout his career, Nik has demonstrated remarkable tenacity. He has navigated the complexities of teaching diverse student groups, bridging the gap between technical concepts and real-world applications. Nik's persistence is evident in his continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies, ensuring he stays at the forefront of the GIS field. His resilience in overcoming challenges, whether in the classroom or in the field, showcases his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Humility
Nik's journey in GIS has been profoundly humbling. He acknowledges the brilliance of his peers and values the collective effort in advancing the field. As he transitioned from technical expertise to leadership and mentorship roles, Nik learned the importance of relying on and empowering those around him. His humility is reflected in his genuine desire to see others succeed, whether they are students, colleagues, or clients, fostering a collaborative and supportive GIS community.
About Nik
For nearly two decades, Dr. Smilovsky has dedicated himself to advancing the geospatial professions both professionally and academically. With experience spanning various private consulting firms, he has been instrumental in collecting, analyzing, and visually presenting geographic data. Simultaneously, as an academic, his focus on research has significantly contributed to the educational knowledge landscape.
Dr. Smilovsky's life passion revolves around geography, evident in his roles as an energetic public speaker, dedicated teacher, and influential thought leader. He finds joy in sharing successes with others and witnessing their growth. His specific interests within the geospatial domain include the geography of behavior, sustainable and resilient geodesign, pedagogy in geographic science (particularly in online education), and a holistic exploration of geospatial technologies.
A true Geoholic, Dr. S is particularly enamored with innovative GIS tech, embodying a fervor for pushing boundaries in the ever-evolving field.
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