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Welcome to our latest installment of the “A Day in the Life” blog series. Today, we delve into the fascinating world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis through the eyes of Tara Srinivasan. Tara, an environmental staff scientist for the Restoration & Resilience team and a GIS analyst, combines her passion for environmental research with the power of geospatial data to support sustainable projects that enhance ecosystems and communities alike.
GIS is a powerful technology used to study, analyze and visualize geospatial data. In Tara’s role at Princeton Hydro, GIS serves as both a creative and analytical tool, enabling her to generate and explore detailed maps of environmental conditions at project sites, such as vegetation, soils, topography, and water bodies. This process aids in identifying restoration needs, addressing challenges, and developing innovative solutions.
Let’s embark on a journey through a typical day in Tara’s role and uncover how her expertise helps shape Princeton Hydro’s environmental restoration projects.
Tara usually starts her day in the office, preparing to analyze data for a particular project. Using GIS software like ArcGIS, she examines historical and current imagery of the site, overlays habitat features, and maps property boundaries. These analyses help Tara and the project team understand the site’s existing conditions, such as watershed boundaries and the presence of threatened or endangered species.
“GIS allows us to study locations remotely, uncover patterns and features that might not be obvious on the ground, and understand how a place interacts with its surrounding environment,” Tara explains. “By incorporating extensive environmental data from local, state, and national resources – collected by both public and private organizations – I can gain a comprehensive view of a project site before we even set foot in the field.”
From calculating the impacts of a proposed restoration project to mapping flood conditions under various climate scenarios, Tara’s work ensures that Princeton Hydro’s environmental solutions are informed by robust spatial data and cutting-edge technology.
One project Tara is especially proud of is Princeton Hydro’s contribution to the Trenton Vulnerability Assessment, part of the Resilient NJ initiative administered by the NJDEP Bureau of Climate Resilience Planning. “We modeled flooding and urban heat islands based on current data and future projections of climate change, and created a mapping tool that overlaid hazard areas with Trenton’s critical facilities, community assets, cultural and ecological resources, and vulnerable populations,” she shares. Tara had the opportunity to present this data to Trenton residents, who shared their questions and ideas for solutions that the City incorporated into its climate planning efforts. “It was a great way to engage with our local Trenton community, get in-person feedback on our maps, and see the potential that GIS and environmental data have in informing social conversations,” Tara adds.
Today, Tara is focused on defining the boundaries of a watershed surrounding a small lake. In this video, she walks us through her step-by-step process for watershed delineation:
Collaboration is a key part of Tara’s role. On a typical day, she meets with Princeton Hydro’s regulatory team to discuss GIS findings that inform project permitting and compliance. These partnerships enhance her work, ensuring that data analyses align with project goals and regulatory standards.
Tara also communicates her findings to clients and stakeholders who may not have technical GIS backgrounds. She uses intuitive maps, symbols, and colors—like blue for water and green for forests—to help stakeholders understand complex concepts at a glance. “Maps are a powerful thing,” Tara says. “They can bring people up to speed quickly and convey information in a way that words alone cannot.”
When maps become more intricate, Tara incorporates supplementary visuals, such as tables and graphs, to provide additional clarity. Her ability to bridge technical expertise with accessible communication is crucial for guiding clients through project decisions.
Although much of her work is office-based, Tara occasionally heads out into the field to collect data or monitor project sites. Equipped with GPS tools and field notebooks, she assesses topography, vegetation, and other site-specific details that feed back into her GIS analyses.
“Fieldwork provides a fresh perspective,” Tara notes. “It’s a great opportunity to see how projects are implemented and to observe how the environment evolves over time.”
Whether delineating watersheds or monitoring post-construction conditions, these outings connect Tara’s technical work to the tangible landscapes she aims to restore.
Tara thrives on finding innovative solutions to challenges in her work, such as optimizing software processes and addressing gaps in available data. Her meticulous organization of databases, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy ensure that her outputs are both reliable and impactful. When data is limited, Tara ensures transparency by clearly communicating any uncertainties, fostering trust and confidence in her analyses.
Tara also approaches her work with a strong ethical lens, carefully considering the implications of GIS analyses on communities and ecosystems. “When you look at a map of a stream, lake, wetland, or forest in an urban area, it’s important to notice the houses, schools, businesses, parks, and other features that surround them,” Tara explains. “Our projects impact both the environment and people. GIS helps us examine a large area and assess our impact so we can minimize any temporary or permanent effects, both legally and ethically.” She notes that GIS can even identify already disturbed areas for construction access, helping preserve healthier habitats.
Tara’s love for maps dates back to her childhood, when she was captivated by the intricate, hand-drawn maps in fantasy novels. Her fascination grew through exploring Google Earth, imagining future travels, and observing how geography shapes civilizations. This passion now drives her professional journey, where she uses GIS to merge her analytical skills with creativity. “I’ve always been a visual learner, so I find something grounding about orienting yourself on a map,” Tara shares.
When she’s not working, Tara enjoys wildlife photography hikes, baking experiments, and writing music for her ukulele—a testament to her creativity both inside and outside the office.
For Tara, GIS is more than a tool; it’s a gateway to understanding and addressing environmental challenges. Her work at Princeton Hydro highlights the versatility of GIS in projects ranging from wetland restoration to climate change resilience. Reflecting on her role, Tara says, “What I love most about GIS is its ability to bring environmental stories to life, helping people connect with the places they care about in a meaningful way.”
Through her dedication and expertise, Tara embodies the spirit of innovation and environmental stewardship that defines Princeton Hydro’s mission.
Princeton Hydro’s multidisciplinary team combines unparalleled expertise with innovative geospatial technology to deliver integrated ecological and engineering solutions. From comprehensive assessments and sustainable design to implementation and community engagement, we are committed to addressing complex environmental challenges. Our team’s proven capabilities in natural resource management, water resources engineering, and geotechnical design—enhanced by in-house GIS expertise—enable us to provide tailored solutions that achieve measurable results. Whether conducting regional-scale analyses, developing coastal resiliency plans, or advancing ecological restoration efforts, we are proud to contribute to a sustainable future throughout the Northeast and beyond.
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