Executive Director, American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (Retired). Bethesda, Md.During his 40 years in the workforce, James (Jim) Plasker has played an integral role in advancing the geospatial technology sector. He began his career when satellite-based surveying, computer-based mapping, and digital imaging were nonexistent, and later saw the rise of all three.In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Plasker participated in classified meetings for what would become a seminal geospatial tool and a ousehold name just two decades later: Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
During the 1980s, he contributed to early efforts to convert analog maps to a computerized database to support the 1990 Census. In 1989, he led the effort to create a digital orthophoto (image map) program for the U.S.If it weren’t for Oregon State, Plasker would not have been able to build such an accomplished career. “I came to Oregon State as a fairly young freshman and with almost no leadership experience,” he said.
“I left Oregon State with not only two degrees but a tremendous set of leadership skills and multiple experiences working with senior officials on campus, all which served me very well as I progressed through my career.”Robert Schultz, a professor of geomatics, was also an influential mentor, both in Plasker’s career and life.
“Not only did Professor Schultz espouse the importance of leadership and professional development, he demonstrated them as well,” he said.In addition to the technical engineering leadership development skills he developed, Plasker participated in several professional organizations as a student, including the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (he eventually served as president of the organization from 1996-97), and the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.
These extracurricular activities further honed his leadership skills and prepared him for the workforce.After earning a B.S. in 1971 and an M.S. in 1973, both in civil engineering. Plasker spent 26 years in surveying and mapping with the U.S. Geological Survey. He served as the associate chief of the National Mapping Division from 1994 to 1996 and as the associate chief geologist from 1996 to 1998. During his tenure, he was responsible for the development of the .S. National Aerial Photography and National Digital Orthophotoquad Programs, which provided the initial imagery database for what would eventually become Google Earth and numerous other web based mapping systems.
He was also responsible for the development of the Digital Raster Graphic Program through close cooperation with the private sector. Plasker recently retired as theexecutive director of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, a 6,500 member professional and scientific nonprofit organization focused on the development and exchange of information about cutting-edge geospatial information technologies. He also served as executive director of the ASPRS Foundation from 2004–2013, where he transformed the organization to complete the full endowment of all awards and scholarships the organization bestows; effective with his retirement, he was appointed to serve on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Plasker has participated in or led numerous international delegations representing the geospatial profession in United States, including delegations sent to China, Russia, and Chile. In 1994, he was the recipient of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award. From 1997 to 2003, he chaired a multi-organizational task force to rewrite the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying model law and model rules for surveying.Speaking from experience, Plasker encourages today’s engineering student to invest in a wide range of professional development opportunities.
“If you’re at OSU in engineering, think more broadly than just academics,” he said. “Any extracurricular leadership development opportunities you can take advantage of will serve you well, and will likely significantly increase your employability and potential salary.”
Degrees
- B.S. Civil Engineering, 1971
- M.S. Civil Engineering, 1973