Robert Wardwell
Robert Wardwell is Geologist for the Eastern Geology and Paleoclimate Science Center stationed at the Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO) in Vancouver, WA.
Biography
Rob is a member of the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) project with experience in computer programming, database management, Web application development, and GIS. He is currently focused on developing and maintaining NGMDB Web sites, and processing thousands of digital geologic map images for integration into the NGMDB Map Catalog and MapView products.
In addition to his work with the NGMDB, Rob has teamed up with members of the Volcano Hazards Program to work on software projects related to field work reporting, digital image management, real-time data analysis and visualization, and predicted ash plume mapping.
Skills
- 7+ years of Web development work on both Linux and Windows OS using Apache, MySQL, Oracle, HTML / XHTML , CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, Perl / Perl DBIx, PHP / PEAR, Zope / Plone, XML, SVG, LizardTech Express Server, and MapServer.
- Relational Database design and administration using Oracle, Access, MySQL, and SQLite. Expertise in writing SQL statements and scripts to retrieve and analyze data.
- Digital Imagery processing and data management experience using Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat, ImageMagick, Ghostscript, Python Imaging Library (PIL), and MrSid GeoExpress.
- 5+ years of GIS experience using ArcGIS with ArcInfo, Spatial and 3D Analyst, and Arc Geo-database to create and analyze geologic data.
- Leverages programming skills in Python, Perl, PHP, and Visual Basic to automate processes, create scripts and batch jobs, and interact with relational databases.
- Knowledgeable in the principles of Geology, Geologic mapping, and USGS mapping products.
- Provides excellent documentation on all aspects of work.
- Team player who values sharing ideas, learning from others, creative thinking, and problem solving.
Experience
Geologist Vancouver, WA - June 2003 to Present
US Geological Survey Reston, VA - April 2002 to June 2003
- Responsible for designing, populating, and maintaining a growing collection of over 25,000 full-sized, high resolution, digital geologic map images for the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) project.
- Administers NGMDB project databases and 508 compliant Web sites. Oversees all scanning and file processing efforts for digital imagery. Designed internal Web interfaces and scripts to facilitate data management and project workflow.
- Makes critical hardware and software decisions related to project Web servers, database servers, and RAID storage arrays for hosting, organizing, and disseminating over 10 TB of compressed and uncompressed image data.
- Works with scientists from the USGS and State Geological Surveys to ensure a positive working relationship and high level of data quality for the NGMDB.
GIS Technician June 2001 to April 2002
US Geological Survey – Energy Resources Program
- Worked with a Web development team to prepare GIS data sets for Web publication. Duties included creating spatial data layers, preparing maps, and coordinating data collection efforts with scientists, managers, and technical team members.
- Implemented a set of processes, file naming conventions, and backup solutions to facilitate team workflow.
Surveyor Assistant June 2000 to September 2000
Hood River County, Oregon
- Collected GPS data utilized in the County GIS and Access database.
- Investigated survey partitions, roads, bridges, monuments, and forest boundaries with the county surveyor and engineer.
Education
Masters in Geology / GIS Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 2000
- Graduate research in GIS involved creating digital elevation models to analyze coastal landforms.
- Completed credits for certification in “GIS and remote sensing of coastal environments.”
- Instructed lab and lecture courses as a graduate teaching assistant.
Bachelors in Geology Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 1997
- Graduated Cum Laude.
- Team Captain: NCAA Division 1 Sailing Team 1997.
- Scholar Athlete of the Year Award 1997.
Publications
Robert S. Wardwell, Kevin W. Laurent, Jeremy O. Skog, and David R. Soller, 2003, The National Geologic Map Database Image Library—Technical Details, Digital Mapping Techniques '03 — Workshop Proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 03–471
Robert S. Wardwell and Kevin W. Laurent , 2006, Banding Birds with MapServer CGI , Digital Mapping Techniques '06— Workshop Proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2007-1285
Ramsey, D. W., Schilling, S. P., Robinson, J. E., Griswold, J. P., Wardwell, R. S., and Ewert, J. W., 2007, Mount St. Helens Reloaded: Applying GIS to the ongoing eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington: ESRI Map Book, v. 22, p. 6.
Posters / Abstracts
David R. Soller, Wardwell, R.S., and Stamm, N.R., 2011, Accessing Two Centuries of Science, Through the National Geologic Map Database: Geological Society of America Paper No. 263-11
Nancy R. Stamm, Soller, D.R., Wardlaw, B.R, Orndorff, R.C. and Wardwell, R.S., 2011, The National Geologic Map Database Project’s Adventures in Managing Old Fossils and Geologic Names: Geological Society of America Paper No. 263-11
Robert S.Wardwell, David R. Soller, and Christopher P. Garrity, 2011, Acquisition and Processing Workflow for Geologic Map Images in the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) Map Catalog:Digital Mapping Techniques '11 - Workshop Proceedings, May 22-25 Williamsburg, VA
Robert S. Wardwell, Kevin W. Laurent, Jeremy O. Skog, and David R. Soller, 2003, The NGMDB Geologic Map Image Library – Delivering Scanned Geologic Maps Online: Geological Society of America Paper No. 124-9
Schultz, A.C.,Levine, M. J., and Wardwell, R. S., 2001, Geode – An Interactive Data Retrieval, Display, and Analysis Internet Application: Geological Society of America Paper No. 134-0
Science and Products
The National Geologic Map Database - NGMDB
The National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) is a distributed archive of geoscience information for the Nation. It was mandated by the Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 and is cooperatively built and maintained by the USGS and State Geological Surveys. We welcome you to explore the archive, view the maps, and help us to...
Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2020 Year in review
Established in 1935, the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program (CRU program) is a unique cooperative partnership among State fish and wildlife agencies, universities, the Wildlife Management Institute, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Designed to meet the scientific needs of natural resource...
Thompson, John D.; Dennerline, Donald E.; Childs, Dawn E.; Jodice, Patrick G.R.
Implications of historical and contemporary processes on genetic differentiation of a declining boreal songbird: The rusty blackbird
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Mineral commodity summaries 2021
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Multispectral remote sensing data acquired by the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensor were analyzed using a new, automated technique to generate a map of exposed mineral and vegetation groups in the western San Juan Mountains, Colo., and the Four Corners Region of the United States. Band ratio results were combined into displayed...
Rockwell, Barnaby W.; Gnesda, William R.; Hofstra, Albert H. Airborne dust plumes lofted by dislodged ice blocks at Russell Crater, Mars
Linear dune gullies on poleward‐facing Martian slopes are enigmatic. Formation by CO2‐ice block or snow cornice falls has been proposed based on optical imagery of bright, high‐albedo features inside gully channels. Because these features often resemble patchy frost residue rather than three‐dimensional blocks, more evidence is needed to support...
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Hydrographic and benthic mapping—St. Croix National Scenic Riverway—Osceola landing
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Hanson, Jenny L.; Strange, Jayme M.
Geochemical data for Illinois Basin coal samples, 2015–2018
Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and their collaborators conducted a study of the geochemical properties of coals currently produced for electric power generation in the Illinois Basin in Illinois and Indiana. The study follows from recommendations by an expert panel for the USGS to investigate the distribution and controls of...
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Chapter A6.4. Measurement of pH
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Evaluating fish rescue as a drought adaptation strategy using a life cycle modeling approach for imperiled coho salmon
Projected intensification of drought as a result of climate change may reduce the capacity of streams to rear fish, exacerbating the challenge of recovering salmonid populations listed under the Endangered Species Act. Without management intervention, some stocks will likely go extinct as stream drying and fragmentation reduce juvenile survival to...
Beebe, Brittany A; Bentley, Kale T; Buehrens, Thomas W.; Perry, Russell; Jonathan B. Armstrong Amateur radio operators help fill earthquake donut holes
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