Earth Data Welcomes Peter Lay

Earth Data is pleased to announce that GIS Analyst Peter Lay has joined its team of dedicated field-oriented groundwater, geospatial, and environmental consulting professionals.

 Lay is a Maryland native and a graduate of the University of Maryland, majoring in Geographic Science with a minor in GIS (Geographic Information System). His interest in GIS grew out of his enjoyment of being outside, developing his love of nature during the time he spent on his way to Eagle Scout. But it wasn't until a gap in his high school schedule and a suggestion from a respected teacher that he considered a class in AP Human Geography. He loved it.

 His excitement and interest in that high school class and exposure to GIS was foundational for his college career. During his first year at the University of Maryland, he boldly declared his major—Geographic Science. This unique decision proved to be a wise move, and it provided him with an early start in the field as he was only one of two incoming freshmen in the Geographic Science program.

 Geographic Science, particularly GIS, interested him because he enjoyed the challenges of organizing data effectively and the many tools used to display the findings. The field of GIS is so flexible that Lay took the opportunity to study GIS in his spare time to explore the options. His interest was pragmatic as well. "It was a good career choice," he knowingly states.

 Lay, a self-starter that continues to learn, is also a trumpeter, avid reader, and Star Wars fan. Perhaps his most enjoyable way to spend time away from GIS is his ongoing enthusiasm for the popular Magic: The Gathering strategy card game. Given his love for organizing data, it is no surprise that this challenging strategic game is his preference.

 Adding Peter Lay to the Earth Data team not only provides another GIS professional to its growing staff but another asset to its growing list of clients.