My GIS Career Pathway to Becoming a Photogrammetric Technician
Growing up, I never imagined my career would blend technology, creativity, and public service. My path into photogrammetry — the science of extracting measurements from photographs — began in my junior year of high school, when a simple application changed my life.
I applied for the Phoenix Internship Program at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), hoping to gain work experience. I was placed at the Materials and Road Research Lab in Maplewood, MN, where I was introduced to the fascinating intersection of STEM and transportation. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that summer was planting the seeds of a career.
During my undergraduate years at the University of Minnesota, I majored in Geography with an emphasis in GIS. My coursework and internships gave me a deeper appreciation for geospatial technology’s power to solve real-world problems. I saw how GIS could make transportation safer, environmental planning more precise, and data-driven decision-making more accessible.
After graduating in 2022, I accepted a position as a Photogrammetric Technician at MnDOT. In this role, I work with aerial imagery and LiDAR data to create detailed maps and models that support infrastructure projects statewide. I love that my work directly impacts Minnesota’s communities — from improving roads and bridges to supporting environmental stewardship.
My journey hasn’t been a straight line. As a Latina in STEM and the first in my family to navigate a professional career in this field, I’ve faced challenges from adapting to new environments to overcoming self-doubt. But those obstacles also shaped my resilience, resourcefulness, and dedication to representation.
I’m proud to share that my identical twin sister also works in the geospatial world as a GIS Coordinator for MnDOT. Together, we are proof that representation matters — and that diversity strengthens the GIS community.
Today, I’m passionate about mentoring students and sharing my story through programs like Get Kids into Surveying and MnDOT Career Pathway Programs. My advice to aspiring GIS professionals is simple:
Be curious — technology is always evolving, so keep exploring.
Build your network — opportunities often come through connections.
Don’t be afraid to be the first — your journey might inspire the next generation.
GIS has given me more than a career; it’s given me a platform to contribute to my community, advocate for diversity in STEM, and keep learning every day. I’m excited to see where this path — and the many pathways GIS offers — will lead next.
