Greg Cocks is a geospatial visionary, combining decades of expertise in GIS, spatial data science, and hydrology to shape the future of environmental mapping. As the Technical Lead for the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Greg is playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing how surface water data is managed and delivered across the United States.
Leading the 3D Hydrography Revolution
Greg’s work at the USGS focuses on developing high-resolution, 3D-enabled hydrologic data, setting new standards for national hydrography. The 3DHP marks the first systematic remapping of hydrographic data since the original topographic mapping program. Greg’s role involves:
- Leading technical research and development for 3D water data systems
- Ensuring dynamic data delivery and platform-agnostic solutions
- Managing vast datasets, including 250 million hydrologic flowlines derived from LiDAR and other advanced technologies
The 3DHP is a cornerstone of the 3D National Map, directly supporting environmental management, flood risk assessment, and water resource analysis.
Bridging Science and Technology
Greg’s career showcases a deep ability to translate complex geospatial data into actionable solutions. His work spans:
- Spatial data validation for large-scale projects (e.g., NHDPlusHR)
- Python-based automation for processing massive datasets, with tools like NumPy, pandas, and GeoPackage
- Developing workflows to ensure data integrity and meet open data standards
Greg is an advocate for innovation, consistently applying new technologies to streamline workflows, enhance accuracy, and meet critical national needs.
A Multi-Disciplinary Problem Solver
Greg’s career spans hydrology, geology, and geospatial science, with experience in organizations like:
- NOAA – Supporting flood mapping and the National Water Model
- Metropolitan State University of Denver – Teaching applied GIS to undergraduate students
- Structural Integrity Associates – Applying GIS for pipeline assessments and slope analysis
- Environmental consulting – Tackling remediation projects and groundwater modeling
Whether leading research, mentoring teams, or solving real-world challenges, Greg’s diverse expertise makes him a trusted leader in spatial data science.
Sharing Knowledge and Inspiring Innovation
Greg’s enthusiasm for geospatial technologies extends to sharing knowledge and mentoring others. He combines practical experience with a drive to explore new tools, inspiring teams to tackle complex projects with confidence.
His publications, like Delivering the Hydrologic Data from USGS’s 3D National Hydrography Program, reflect his role in advancing the geospatial field and ensuring data solutions benefit scientists, policymakers, and communities alike.
Why Greg Cocks Deserves Celebration
Greg Cocks is not just a technical expert—he’s a leader, innovator, and collaborator. His contributions to 3D hydrography, spatial data science, and environmental mapping are laying the foundation for smarter decision-making and sustainable water management.
Thank you, Greg, for leading the way in geospatial innovation 🌊📊. Your work is shaping a future where spatial data drives progress, one dataset at a time.
