About
Cherie Northon, Ph.D.
Owner and Principal: Mapping Solutions (est. 1982)​
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As a geographer, I've been fortunate to have traveled to nearly every corner of the world. This thirst for knowledge began as a child with a Replogle globe that my grandmother gave me. Years later, I began my official studies at the University of California Berkeley where I honed my skills as a geographer and cartographer.
In 1982, I began private consulting while in grad school and have continued since. The methods have changed dramatically from pen, ink, and film to computer cartography and Geographic Information Systems today--but the skills learned continue to carry through.
Careful analysis, attention to detail, adhering to conventions, and keeping up with advances are the cornerstone of my profession.
EDUCATION:
University of California Berkeley
B.A. Anthropology and Geography with honors,
M.A. Geography
Ph.D. Geography and Cartography
UNIVERSITY TEACHING:
25 years in cartography, GIS, map reading, field geography, cultural geography, and the history of cartography
SPECIALTIES:
GIS and spatial analysis, computer cartography, and history of cartography
COLLABORATIONS:
Biologists, marine scientists, environmental consultants, archaeologists, anthropologists, historians, educators, political scientists, land use planners, government agencies, and authors
HONORS:
Phi Beta Kappa
Fellow Royal Geographical Society
Society of Woman Geographers
DIRECTORSHIPS:
Executive Director: Anchorage Waterways Council
Commissioner: Municipality of Anchorage, Watershed and Natural Resources Commission
University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Affiliate Director: Alaska Space Grant Program
UAA Training Node Director: Geographic Information Network of Alaska (GINA)
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Castorera Loop, Tierra del Fuego
Research on beaver introduction to Patagonia
Thom Eley, Ph.D.​
Principal: Mapping Solutions (since 1997)
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Trained primarily in geography, oceanography, and wildlife ecology, I consider myself a geographer. Due to my father’s work, my family frequently traveled from coast to coast. My parents always ensured that we visited a variety of towns, states, and historic and natural history areas, and we were also introduced to many different cultures. My travels have taken me to far and wide—more places than I could have ever imagined.
Due to mystical forces, I began my official studies in Geography at the University of California Berkeley where I honed skills that would enhance my abilities “to see” the world from new perspectives including over a year in Papua New Guinea on a Fulbright Fellowship for research for my Ph.D.
In 1997, I began learning the art and science of cartography—both computer and Geographic Information System (GIS) under the tutelage of Dr. Cherie Northon. Careful analysis, attention to detail, adhering to conventions, and keeping up with advances are the cornerstones of my profession. I particularly enjoy the process of making maps that satisfies the client’s perceived needs and as well as advising on the, sometimes harsh, realities of geography and how to deal with it on their maps.
Off Elephant Island, Antarctica
Lecturing from the bridge, MV Star Princess
EDUCATION:
Humboldt State University
B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Oceanography
M.S. Wildlife Ecology and Oceanography
University of California Berkeley
M.A. Geography
Ph.D. Geography
UNIVERSITY TEACHING:
25 years in natural resources, biology, geography, GIS, and cartography
SPECIALTIES:
GIS and spatial analysis, computer cartography, maritime geography including maritime and territorial boundaries, resource management, transportation, public health, facilities management, historical research, and historical geography of the North
COLLABORATIONS:
Biologists, resource managers, maritime agencies, facility managers, public health, safety and emergency responders, government agencies, private industry, and tourism
HONORS:
Fulbright Fellowship
Fellow Royal Geographical Society
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