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...
Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2020 annual report
The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) monitors volcanic and hydrothermal activity associated with the Yellowstone magmatic system, conducts research into magmatic processes occurring beneath Yellowstone Caldera, and issues timely warnings and guidance related to potential future geologic hazards. This report summarizes the activities and...
Community for Data Integration 2019 annual report
The Community for Data Integration is a community of practice whose purpose is to advance the U.S. Geological Survey’s data integration capabilities. In fiscal year 2019, the Community for Data Integration held 9 monthly forums, facilitated 11 collaboration areas, held several workshops and training events, and funded 14 projects. The activities...
Hsu, Leslie; Liford, Amanda N.
Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the lower Paleozoic of the Williston Basin Province, 2020
Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 83 million barrels of oil and 351 billion cubic feet of gas in lower Paleozoic strata of the Williston Basin Province, North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.
Schenk, Christopher J.; Mercier, Tracey J.; Woodall, Cheryl A.; Ellis, Geoffrey S.; Finn, Thomas M.; Le, Phuong A.; Marra, Kristen R.; Leathers-Miller, Heidi M.; Drake, Ronald M.
Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources of upper Paleozoic strata in the Williston Basin Province, 2020
Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean oil and gas resources of 134 million barrels of oil and 81 billion cubic feet of gas in upper Paleozoic strata of the Williston Basin Province in North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.
Schenk, Christopher J.; Mercier, Tracey J.; Woodall, Cheryl A.; Ellis, Geoffrey S.; Finn, Thomas M.; Le, Phuong A.; Marra, Kristen R.; Leathers-Miller, Heidi M.; Drake, Ronald M.
Assessment of undiscovered gas resources in the Williston Basin Province, 2020
Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated a mean of 2,438 billion (2.4 trillion) cubic feet of gas resources in the Williston Basin Province, in North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.
Schenk, Christopher J.; Mercier, Tracey J.; Woodall, Cheryl A.; Ellis, Geoffrey S.; Finn, Thomas M.; Le, Phuong A.; Marra, Kristen R.; Leathers-Miller, Heidi M.; Drake, Ronald M.
Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Pennsylvanian Tyler Formation of the Williston Basin Province, 2020
Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 161 million barrels of oil and 93 billion cubic feet of gas in the Tyler Formation of the Williston Basin Province, North Dakota.
Schenk, Christopher J.; Mercier, Tracey J.; Woodall, Cheryl A.; Finn, Thomas M.; Le, Phuong A.; Marra, Kristen R.; Ellis, Geoffrey S.; Leathers-Miller, Heidi; Drake, Ronald M.
Storms and floods of July 30, 2016, and May 27, 2018, in Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland
IntroductionOn July 30, 2016, and May 27, 2018, the downtown area of Ellicott City, Maryland (fig. 1), was severely flooded by intense, short-duration rainfall that resulted in loss of life; significant damage to buildings, roads, infrastructure; and hundreds of vehicles washed away. Precipitation from the 2016 event totaled 6.60 inches in 3 hours...
Doheny, Edward J.; Nealen, Christopher W.
Final report on the assessment of the U.S. Geological Survey’s bureauwide Research Grade Evaluation (RGE) process
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) formed the internal Research Grade Evaluation (RGE) Review Team in May 2017. The Team undertook a 2-year comprehensive review of RGE practices and policies at the USGS that included (1) the first-ever quantitative assessment of the USGS workforce evaluated under the RGE process, (2) a benchmarking meeting in...
Time-domain electromagnetic soundings and passive-seismic measurements for delineation of saline groundwater in the Genesee Valley-fill aquifer system, western New York, 2016–17
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, used noninvasive surface geophysics in the investigation of the distribution of saline groundwater in the valley-fill aquifer system of the Genesee River Valley near the former Retsof salt mine in western New York. In 1994, the Retsof salt...
Williams, John H.; Kappel, William M.; Johnson, Carole D.; White, Eric A.; Heisig, Paul M.; Lane, Jr., John W.
Performance of bedload sediment transport formulas applied to the Lower Minnesota River
Despite limitations in reproducing complex bedload sediment transport processes in rivers, formulas have been preferred over collection and analysis of field data due to the high cost and time-consuming nature of bedload discharge measurements. However, the performance of such formulas depends on the hydraulic and sedimentological conditions they...
Armijos, Elisa; Merten, Gustavo Henrique; Groten, Joel T.
Assessment of wave attenuation, current patterns, and sediment deposition and erosion during winter storms by living shoreline structures in Gandys Beach, New Jersey
This study was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and Northeastern University in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Nature Conservancy. This report summarizes field investigation and analysis of waves, current patterns, and sediment deposition and erosion along the Gandys Beach, New Jersey, salt marsh vegetated...
Wang, Hongqing; Capurso, William D.; Chen, Qin; Zhu, Ling; Niemoczynski, Lukasz; Snedden, Gregg Estimates of food consumption rates for invasive Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus
As a prolific invasive species, Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus threaten native organisms in numerous estuarine and tidal freshwaters along the Atlantic coast of the United States. However, no published estimates of consumption rates are available for Blue Catfish in the scientific literature. This information is critical for development...
Schmitt, Joseph; Hilling, Corbin D.; Orth, Donald J.