Greg Ulp, PMP, PMI-ACP

The simple answer is the internet. My career began in 1986, so I missed the days of using punch cards to write computer code, and the internet wasn’t yet a factor. It wasn’t until the early 1990s that we began writing code for the web, which dramatically accelerated GIS growth. But, as I said, that’s the easy answer.

In terms of GIS and my career, I believe the advancements in linear reference systems (LRS) have had the most impact. Thanks to trailblazers like Tom Reis, Eric Abrams, and Bill Schuman — past and present employees of GeoDecisions — the field of transportation data and asset management has profoundly transformed. For instance, they contributed to the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 20-27 model.

Additionally, Esri^® ArcGIS Roads and Highways software has transformed how departments of transportation manage highway data to create safer roads. GeoDecisions continues to be at the forefront of LRS advancements.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with college students and young GIS professionals just beginning their careers. I always offer them the same advice: the most important thing you can do for a client is to truly understand their data. Too often, application developers get caught up in the technology and fail to take the time to understand the business and the data behind it.

While technology continues to evolve, the value of data remains constant. What’s changed is our ability to find better ways to utilize that data, solve problems, and create greater value.

I’m most proud of my accomplishments for PennDOT over the past 35 years. I’ll never forget the night my father and I dug through old 9th-grade geometry textbooks (back when there was no internet) to find a formula I used to create what is now known as dynamic segmentation for LRS. My solution was a rough prototype, and it was soon replaced by an Intergraph solution about a year later. But the thrill of seeing it come to life after months of experimentation made it all worthwhile.

Before joining GeoDecisions, I worked on various aspects of PennDOT’s traffic data collection. Shortly after I joined GeoDecisions, PennDOT issued a multi-million-dollar contract to rewrite all nine applications that made up their traffic data system (TDS). I convinced our then-president to pursue the work as the prime contractor, even though only a small part of the project was GIS-related. He agreed, and the project turned out to be a resounding success with on-time and under-budget delivery. That same TDS system remains a vital tool for PennDOT today. The lessons learned from that project paved the way for several more application development initiatives at PennDOT in the last 13 years. The application longevity we’ve built is a testament to our commitment to delivering quality work.

We foster a culture of loyalty and dedication by prioritizing employee development and creating an inclusive, supportive work environment. By offering continuous learning opportunities, professional growth programs, and clear career advancement paths, we help employees feel invested in their success while nurturing long-term commitment. Additionally, we strongly focus on work-life balance, flexible schedules, and wellness initiatives that demonstrate our genuine concern for employees as individuals, not just workers.

We also align corporate values with social responsibility, sustainability, and community engagement. Employees are increasingly drawn to companies that prioritize purpose-driven work and make a positive impact on society. By embedding sustainability and social initiatives into our business model and offering opportunities to participate in volunteerism and community projects, we cultivate pride and purpose within our workforce. Furthermore, promoting innovation and empowering employees to contribute to strategic decisions fosters a sense of ownership and connection to our long-term goals, strengthening loyalty and dedication across generations.

As a golf enthusiast, I enjoy the game at all levels and have been fortunate to play some of the best courses in the nation, both with friends and family and in competition. Golf is a big part of my life, and I’m lucky that Staci, my wife, shares my passion and is quite good herself.

That said, Pennsylvania is home to some of the finest golf courses in the country. I enjoy trips to the western part of the state to play Sunnehanna Country Club in Johnstown and visits to Philadelphia to play courses at Merion, Stonewall, and Aronimink Golf Clubs.

Additionally, neighboring New Jersey boasts incredible courses, including Pine Valley and Atlantic City Country Club. I’ve also had the privilege of playing on the West Coast, and my trips to Pebble Beach Golf Links rank among the top experiences of my golfing career. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend making the trip — it’s definitely worth it.