About me
As a GIS Analyst for the City of Seattle, Catherine Wendland is on a mission to elevate how GIS serves both City staff and the public. She specializes in training, guidance, and refining centralized GIS standards, ensuring Seattle’s hundreds of GIS users are equipped to navigate the WebGIS environment under Seattle’s standards.
Catherine and her team developed Seattle’s WebGIS Training program, a cornerstone initiative that empowers users to align with the city’s GIS guardrails and standards. Beyond training, she keeps a pulse on the latest GIS innovations, evaluating how new tools and technologies integrate into Seattle’s framework.
Recently, Catherine has zeroed in on Digital Accessibility, leading efforts to ensure GIS and other digital applications are inclusive and accessible to all. She’s spearheading the creation of accessibility guidelines and best practices for Seattle’s IT team, setting a new standard for how public-facing digital tools can serve diverse communities. Her work has not only shaped Seattle’s approach but has also inspired peers across the region.
Catherine’s passion for GIS goes beyond maps - it’s about building systems that connect people, break down barriers, and make technology work for everyone.