Michelle Patton

Bio

Michelle Patton (Field) is an experienced Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) with a longstanding history of integrating geospatial tools and location intelligence across many different companies and agencies. She has a deep understanding of geospatial strategies and builds lasting support for companies’ geospatial products.

Education

Michelle earned her Bachelor of Arts in Earth Sciences, as well as her Master of Science with a concentration in Geography from the University of Memphis. She is a certified GISP and a licensed Part 107 sUAS drone pilot.

Professional Background

Michelle currently serves as a GIS Developer on the Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW)’s GIS Administrative team, where she oversees robust enterprise geodatabases and develops geospatial tools for internal and external stakeholders. Previously, she served on the Memphis Area Geographic Information Council (MAGIC)’s Board of Directors and is a past-president. During her time at Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) she developed their drone operations program, which included capturing data, post-processing, increasing surveying accuracy to +/- 1 inch, training new pilots, and overseeing small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) projects. Before starting her career at SSR, Michelle worked at institutions such as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) researching spectral trajectories and Shelby County Government in Tennessee helping police and fire with their geospatial capabilities.