Transforming our National Park maps: a conversation with Nate Irwin

A career in mapping parks across the United States began unexpectedly for the interviewee, whose initial plan was to pursue politics after earning a degree in International Relations. An internship with the National Park Service (NPS) sparked an interest in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), leading to a graduate certificate and a shift in career focus. At NPS, the interviewee was inspired by the passionate community of park employees and the opportunity to use GIS for storytelling, particularly at historical sites like Petersburg National Battlefield. The work involved mapping Civil War earthworks, which contributed to a deeper understanding of the battlefield's history through georeferenced maps. This experience highlighted the potential of GIS in narrative creation and fueled a commitment to making outdoor experiences more inclusive and accessible. The interviewee's passion aligns with the NPS mission to protect natural and historical sites while engaging the public in outdoor activities.