Q&A: Katelyn Zelenka Shares the Importance of GIS

November 19, 2025

Meet Katelyn Zelenka, one of TKDA’s GIS analysts who transforms data into stories that shape our infrastructure and communities. Inspired by a curiosity about the connection between culture and geography, Katelyn discovered the importance of GIS during college where she learned how to tell meaningful stories through data. Today, Katelyn brings that same passion to TKDA projects that range from modernizing airport layout plans to supporting public health initiatives, proving that GIS is more than technology, it’s a tool for impact.

What inspired you to pursue a career in GIS?

I am fascinated by the relationship between culture and geography. When I started college, I initially pursued a major in education with the goal of becoming a geography teacher. During my first semester, I took a human geography course where we used GIS to map the spread of the Zika virus and analyze its impacts on families across South and North America. That experience was the turning point for me – I saw how GIS makes critical information accessible and actionable, while also telling meaningful stories through maps and data.

What does a typical day look like for you as a GIS analyst?

One of the most exciting aspects of being a GIS analyst is there is no “typical” day! Each day brings new datasets and the opportunity to creatively explore how best to represent them. Don’t get me wrong, some days I am solely focused on data attribution. But even on those days, I find myself learning about complex aviation processes that I wouldn’t encounter in any other role. The variety keeps the work dynamic, and the constant learning makes it deeply fulfilling.

What impact does GIS have on communities?

GIS plays a vital role in advancing public health, sustainability, and community planning. One powerful example is the work being done with the Minnesota Department of Health to eliminate lead particulates from drinking water by replacing lead and galvanized steel water service lines in Minnesota homes. To identify which residences require replacement, communities conduct annual inventories of their water distribution systems, an effort heavily supported by GIS. At TKDA, we’ve leveraged GIS to inspect over 2,000 individual homes, resulting in the replacement of approximately 100 service lines confirmed to contain lead or galvanized materials.

Another project where GIS made a significant difference was the update to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Layout Plan (ALP). This document guides airport development and plays a critical role in securing funding from government agencies. The previous version, completed in 2013, was created in black and white and was difficult to interpret, especially for those without a background in aviation. In 2024, TKDA modernized the ALP and made the strategic decision to transition from CAD to GIS. This shift allowed us to enhance the document with color, interactivity, and intuitive mapping. The result was a visually engaging and accessible plan that could easily be understood by a broader audience.

What advice would you give to someone interested in GIS?

My best advice is to follow your passions and find creative ways to integrate GIS into them. Whether you’re interested in public health, urban planning, sustainability, or even food and travel – GIS can be a powerful tool to explore and share those interests with your community. Try starting with personal projects, like mapping Little Free Libraries in your neighborhood or tracking the restaurants you’ve visited along with your reviews. The possibilities are endless, and the more you experiment, the more you’ll discover how versatile and impactful GIS can be!

What excites you about the future of GIS?

GIS technology is evolving rapidly, and I see it becoming even more accessible, interactive, and integrated into everyday decision making. What excites me most is how GIS is breaking out of traditional silos – it’s no longer just for specialists. We’re seeing it used in public health initiatives and in aviation planning, where it transforms complex documents like airport layout plans into intuitive, visual tools anyone can understand.

I am especially excited by the creative potential of GIS. As platforms become more user-friendly and data becomes more open, it’s easier than ever to weave spatial thinking into everyday life. The future of GIS is not just technical, it’s personal, collaborative, and deeply impactful!