Team Profile: Andrew Mindermann

Our team enables us to do everything that we do — and each individual offers unique expertise and perspective. That’s why we’re featuring our team members on our blog and offering an opportunity for you to learn how they're contributing to our successes, as well as the overarching UAS industry. This month, we're featuring Senior Data Analyst Andrew Mindermann.

Q: Tell us about your background.

A: Growing up, I was fascinated with nature and technology. I always enjoyed finding ways to combine my interests, as opposed to picking one over the other. In high school, I found myself gravitating toward electives such as graphic design, where I could capture elements in nature using a sketch pad or camera and apply those in a digital design environment. In forensics class, I learned the importance of preserving environments at the micro-level, exercising problem-solving and attention to detail with the help of technology. This led me down the path to achieve my Bachelor’s in Environmental Science at UTC and a career in GIS. Before joining Skytec, I served as a GIS analyst at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. My responsibilities included (among other tasks) geospatial data analysis, map creation and design, custom web application development, and database management.

Q: Describe your role at Skytec.

A: I am Skytec’s Senior Data Analyst. My role involves all aspects of data processing, analysis, and management for Skytec’s geospatial and remote sensing projects. I conduct quality assurance/quality control tests and do reporting for products from the data department. I serve as the lead facilitator for pre-mission planning meetings with members of the flight team to ensure safe data acquisition and quality data products. I research new technology and software to best fit our clients’ needs. I enjoy working with our team to leverage science and technology to solve problems.

Q: What is one way you have contributed to the overarching momentum in the UAS industry?

A: Maintaining high-level data integrity to provide multifaceted solutions in a clear and concise manner. Keep in mind that anything we design is designing us back (as in, structures we build and changes we make to the environment ultimately impact us because we have altered the natural state of things). This is extremely important to our environment and future generations.

Q: What is the most common misconception you hear about what you do (whether from people in or out of your industry)?

A: A common misconception is that people often think there's just one singular solution to a problem. In all actuality, you can develop seemingly endless solutions from just a single image or pulse of light, let alone a library of images and LiDAR collected over time.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?

A: I am a geographer at heart, so I enjoy exploring new places and cultures, whether it is miles into a hike or taking a different route through the city. I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I spend my free time discovering new music and