Distinguished Remote Sensing Expert and Wildfire Mapping Specialist
Associated with :
University of Alaska FairbanksChristopher Smith currently serves as Lead GIS Analyst at the Municipality of Anchorage, following his role as Geospatial Data Analyst at the Geographic Information Network of Alaska (GINA). His research focuses on improving wildfire fuel mapping techniques using hyperspectral remote sensing data. His groundbreaking work demonstrated that AVIRIS-NG hyperspectral imagery could achieve 80% accuracy in vegetation classification compared to 33% accuracy with traditional Landsat-based products. After completing his MS in Geosciences from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, he has contributed significantly to understanding boreal forest fire behavior through advanced remote sensing applications. His expertise spans multiple geospatial platforms including ArcGIS, ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, QGIS, and Trimble Business Center. Through his work with GINA, he has played a crucial role in analyzing and sharing geospatial data tools while maintaining involvement in earth science education as a teaching assistant for courses on glaciers, earthquakes, and volcanoes. His research has significantly advanced the field of wildfire fuel mapping in Alaska's boreal forests, providing valuable decision-support information for fire managers.