Carl Beyerhelm is a resource information specialist—Geographic Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), and data management—at the Coconino National Forest in Flagstaff, AZ. He is recognized for his development and deployment of GPS-enabled ‘travel aids’ that facilitate the use of motor vehicle use maps (MVUMs) on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, as well as Garmin GPS receivers.

Carl received a bachelor’s degree in fisheries and wildlife biology from Iowa State University in 1977 and a master’s degree in forestry from the University of Minnesota in 1979, before beginning his career with the Forest Service. Over the next 19 years, he worked as a fire technician, log scaler, pre-sale forester, and certified silviculturist, with stops in Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains, South Dakota’s Black Hills and, finally, Arizona’s Coconino Plateau.

When a position opened in the Coconino’s fledgling GIS program in 1998, Carl jumped at the opportunity. He had no GIS experience, but he understood the power of maps, had an analytic bent, was a database whiz, and loved gadgets. It seemed like a good fit.

Since that time, Carl has provided GIS support for a broad range of program and project work. He has been involved in data development, maintenance, analysis, and presentation. He also has developed and led GPS and GIS training sessions; worked with AML, ArcObjects, and Python scripting; participated in international assignments; and been a regular at fire camp.

When not at work, Carl enjoys running, reading (history, science, and biography), growing penstemons, and traveling with his wife Wendy to places that include an element of historical or geographical interest.