Written By: Eran Chazan, GIS Intern
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Geospatial Dashboard

For the first half of 2025, I worked as a Geospatial Dashboard Intern at Tomorrow’s Talent. This internship allowed me to apply my GIS background as an MBA Location Analytics student at the University of Redlands to a real-world project.

Using the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Dashboard app, I configured a geospatial dashboard that transformed mundane spreadsheets into colorful, interactive web maps. This spatial storytelling tool provided actionable insights for government and educational leaders in San Bernardino County and supported data-driven decision-making around educational program opportunities.

The experience felt like a class in itself, exposing me to the data needs of the real world—how the strategic selection, completeness, and availability of datasets are essential to transforming raw information into meaningful, actionable insights. It enabled me to witness the power of data and the value it can reveal. I was challenged to think spatially, analyze data critically, and collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical professionals. Balancing coursework and this internship also strengthened my project management skills and deepened my understanding of data preparation and cleaning—crucial steps in building accurate spatial products.

This internship was an immersive experience that pushed me beyond textbook knowledge into the realities of professional GIS work. Managing real data challenges, meeting tight deadlines, and navigating cross-team communication taught me resilience and adaptability. Each day brought new learning opportunities—from troubleshooting data inconsistencies to refining map designs to better communicate insights. The hands-on nature of the work brought the concepts I had studied to life, and collaborating with experienced professionals provided practical perspectives that enriched my understanding of how GIS can influence policy and community outcomes.

What I found most rewarding was seeing how maps become more than visuals—they become tools for planning, resource allocation, and promoting equity.

This internship not only expanded my technical skills—it also propelled my personal and professional growth, reinforcing my commitment to using GIS to help organizations make smarter, more inclusive decisions powered by location intelligence.