This week, we've put Emma Taylor, GIS Technician at Outdoor Recreation NI under the Belfast Live spotlight.
A Geography Graduate from Ulster University, Emma applies her skills to developing Northern Ireland’s first authoritative map of all publicly accessible greenspace and off-road trails.
As well as using her GIS skills, Emma liaises with government departments and agencies, Councils, and eNGOs to refine and verify data before it is imported into the Greenspace Layer. When published, the map will be available on the OutmoreNI, SpatialNI and OpenDataNI websites.
Read more: Stepping Out founder Oliver Johnston goes under the Belfast Live spotlight
A true lover of all things outdoors, Emma loves exploring the mountains, finding waterfalls, cycling the Co Down coast or running trails in the forest. Apart from that, you’ll find her cheering on the Ulster rugby team, listening to rock music or sampling a local beer with friends.
Here we find out a bit more about Emma as she goes under the Belfast Live spotlight.
What do you do (in 10 words or fewer)?
I’m a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician at Outdoor Recreation NI
Three main attributes you need for the job:
The three key attributes needed by a GIS Technician are people skills, strong attention to detail and patience.
Path to this position:
I graduated from Ulster University with a degree in Geography and had enjoyed studying Geographic Information Systems during my course, so when I saw the position, I applied, and the rest is history!
What’s your dream job (present position excepted)?
Probably something like this but combining GIS, travel and adventure.
What are you most proud of (work-wise)?
I’m lucky to work for Outdoor Recreation NI, a not-for-profit organisation that makes it easier for people to responsibly enjoy the great outdoors.
We’re currently mapping all Northern Ireland’s trails and green spaces and it’s fantastic to see the map reach its current stage. Some of the data is already available to the public on our website, OutmoreNI.com, and we hope to have the map completed by summer 2023.
What are you most proud of (in life)?
Having the confidence to travel and see the world on my own.
I really love exploring the great outdoors. There are so many incredible places on our doorstep in Northern Ireland and I always consult our website, OutmoreNI.com, when I want to find somewhere new to visit. The site showcases over 850 green and blue spaces and outdoor trails right across the country.
How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your organisation and how did you adapt?
I joined Outdoor Recreation NI when restrictions were easing in January 2022. At the time, it was quiet in the office as most of my colleagues were still working from home. It took me about 2 months to meet everyone in person!
What lessons did you learn about yourself during lockdown?
The vast mental and physical health benefits of spending time outdoors.
Who is Northern Ireland’s brightest business brain?
I would say Shannon Beattie, for the innovative work that she is doing.
What do you wish you had invented?
Something mechanical like the car or motorbike.
Favourite App on your phone:
Instagram, according to my screen time!
Apart from Belfast Live and your own, what’s your favourite website?
Definitely OutmoreNI.com. It’s an invaluable resource for exploring Northern Ireland’s great outdoors.
If you were spending the day in Belfast where is your dream breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks?
I’m very easily pleased, if there’s food, I’m there!
For breakfast, I’d go to The Lock Keeper’s Inn. Lunch would be a Boojum, followed by Scalini for Dinner. Drinks would be at Common Market.
Where’s your hidden gem in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland has many hidden gems and I’ve been lucky to discover a lot of new ones while mapping out our green and blue spaces.
Overall, I would have to say that Killard National Nature Reserve is my favourite.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
There’s a lot of the world I haven’t seen yet but the Italian Dolomites are my favourite so far.
How would you describe Belfast to someone who’s never been?
A great place to eat and drink with plenty of craic.
In 10 years’ time I’d like to…
Still be doing the job I love and travelling to new places.
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