William Gabel
GIS Professional
Email: william.gabeljr@ndsu.edu
Staff Bio
Bill is a dedicated professional with a proven track record in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Software Engineering. Known for his strategic approach to full-stack development and spatial data architecture, he has spent over 20 years helping organizations bridge the gap between complex data and functional software solutions.
Mr. Gabel’s career is defined by his ability to build high-impact tools, from specialized Python scripts to large-scale enterprise systems. During his twelve-year tenure at NAVTEQ/HERE, he rose from a Geographic Technician to a Sr. Engineer, notably architecting a JIRA-based map issue tracking system that managed over one million records and overseeing a robust ArcGIS server infrastructure.
A versatile innovator, Mr. Gabel later co-founded Project Phoenix, where he spent eight years navigating the evolving landscape of tech startups. During this time as Lead Software Engineer, he led the development of seven custom web applications and steered the company through several strategic pivots, including the creation of a drone pilot GIS platform and specialized middleware.
Currently, Bill continues his GIS journey at UGPTI by focusing on data analysis, safety modeling, and the configuration of intuitive dashboards and map applications.
Outside of his professional life, he is a devoted father of two and an active member of his community who enjoys local events, gaming, and the arts.
Employment
- 2026 – Present, GIS Information System Professional – Upper Great Plain Transportation Institute, NDSU
- 2025 – 2026, Geospatial Analyst – Wiser Imagery Services, LLC
- 2024 – 2025, Director of Technology – Project Phoenix, Inc.
- 2018 – 2024, Lead Software Engineer, Project Phoenix, LLC
- 2012 – 2018, Sr. Engineer, HERE Technologies, LLC
- 2010 – 2012, System Engineer, HERE, a Nokia Company
- 2005 – 2010, Geographic Technician, NAVTEQ, LLC
Education
- Certificate, Geospatial Information Systems, Minnesota State University Moorhead, 2017
- B.S., Computer Information Systems, Minnesota State University Moorhead, 2005