Meet Nellie Anderson-Wright: Senior GIS Specialist

SME® | Published on November 19, 2025

Help us welcome Nellie Anderson-Wright to the SME Team! Nellie’s story is one of discovery, passion, and in-depth experience in the geographical space as a cartographer and teacher.  

Nellie’s career began in college when a geography course and a lecture on plate tectonics and Pangaea had sparked her interest. That spark led her to pursue both an undergraduate degree in geography and a master’s in GIS at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  

Her professional path has been shaped by a blend of technical skill and creative vision. Nellie’s early work included aerial and GIS mapping, and GIS consulting. She’s managed departments, developed academic programs, and mentored students, helping others see the power of GIS  

Nellie’s passion for geography is deeply personal. She loves nature, finds inspiration in walking and hiking, and brings that sense of exploration to her work. Her experiences have included efforts such as traditional resource mapping in Kenya and developing an online master’s program.  

Nellie’s appreciation of GIS is directly aligned with SME’s mission to build and revitalize our communities.   SME’s GIS team helps peel back the layers of our environment and project sites to tell a more robust story woven with technical analysis. By doing so, we can more effectively uncover project opportunities and challenges, support sustainable development, and foster stronger community connections.  

In the short time Nellie has been with SME, she’s already making an impact on key projects, such as county site selection analysis and producing geotechnical and environmental figures that support our teams and clients. Her work supports the entire lifecycle of a project, from early problem-solving with Project Managers to creating story maps and visuals for marketing and client engagement.  

The Power and Impact of SME’s GIS Services 

GIS is more than just map-making. It’s about analysis, insight, and driving decisions that shape projects and communities. As Nellie and Tylor Mahany, SME GIS Technician, explain, GIS professionals at SME are both cartographers and analysts who use advanced tools to layer data, interpret results, and provide actionable intelligence driving smart decision-making.  

Whether it’s routing emergency services, tracking snowplows, or supporting grant applications for community redevelopment – mapping is happening everywhere. And at SME, our GIS team helps us to: 

  • Support Project Lifecycle: From initial site selection to environmental analysis and reporting, GIS helps teams make informed decisions and communicate complex information clearly. 
  • Drive Innovation: By integrating GIS with other technologies (surveying, remote sensing, 3D scanning), SME delivers comprehensive solutions that meet diverse client needs.  
  • Enhance Community Engagement: GIS tools allow for interactive mapping, public surveys, and data-driven storytelling, fostering buy-in and collaboration with stakeholders.  
  • Build and Revitalize: GIS is central to SME’s mission of building and revitalizing communities, providing the data and insights needed to plan, develop, and communicate effectively.  

 

If you’re interested in how SME’s GIS services can transform your projects and strengthen communities, we invite you to contact Nellie and our GIS Team to explore the possibilities for your own work. Reach out today and together we’ll map out your next project.