Stearns Weaver Miller's In-House Geographic Information System (GIS) Capabilities 
Enhanced with New Analyst 

Stearns Weaver Miller announced that Shawn Halphen has joined the Firm as an in-house Geographic Information System (“GIS”) Analyst. Shawn is skilled in a wide range of GIS and spatial analysis software programs, as well as updating and maintaining multi-user enterprise geodatabases, publishing services for use in web mapping applications, and cartography. He will work with GIS Director Christopher Smith to support all of the Firm's practice areas and elevate our GIS capabilities to the next level. 

GIS is used to manage, manipulate, create and analyze data that is primarily based on location. The ability to view and present data in a geographic context provides a powerful level of insight into understanding complex conditions and relationships that may be impossible or otherwise require lengthy research and review. The Firm is at the forefront of providing GIS services to meet client needs and is continually evolving to adapt this cutting edge technology to support all practice areas and client needs. Our in-house GIS team collaborates daily with our attorneys, in-house planners and consultants statewide to integrate legal and policy analysis with advanced technical capabilities. For a list of specific examples of how we have used GIS to provide innovative strategies for clients, click here. 

In addition to client-specific requests, the Firm continuously uses GIS to develop cutting-edge technological resources including:
  • A web-based interactive map for searching and verifying locations within Qualified Opportunity Zones, which are low-income communities nominated by the governors of every U.S. state and territory as areas needing reinvigoration and revitalization from reinvestment.
  • An online Executive Order Tracker tool that identifies the most recent Executive Orders, explains what kinds of permits may qualify for extensions, and depicts the counties to which they apply enabling us to research opportunities to extend the expiration of permits. 
  • State-of-the-art, proprietary work products using data from the Florida Department of Health website, including high-definition maps that were extremely detailed, searchable, and helped to easily visualize Florida's progress at the height of the pandemic.
  • Weekly Florida COVID-19 Cases, by Zip Code
  • Weekly Changes in Number of Florida Cases, by Zip Code
  • Weekly Changes in Number of Hospitalizations, by County

“We are excited that Shawn has joined our Stearns Weaver Miller family as we continue our commitment to enhance GIS services for our clients,” said Reggie Bouthillier, Shareholder and Chair of the Land Development, Zoning & Environmental Group. “Shawn’s technical capabilities, talents, and innovative problem-solving skills will be a great addition to our state-wide team.”
 
Prior to joining the Firm, Shawn served as GIS Team Lead for the Northwest Florida Water Management District (“NWFWMD”), one of five water management districts that is charged with managing the water resources of the Florida Panhandle. His time at the NWFWMD provides him with unique insight and substantive knowledge of environmental issues and policies.

Please help us welcome Shawn to the Firm!