Brian Tomaszewski

Professor

School of Interactive Games and Media

Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences

bmtski@rit.edu

585-259-9678

Office Location

GOL-2515

Brian Tomaszewski

Professor

School of Interactive Games and Media

Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences

Education

BA, University at Albany; MA, University at Buffalo; Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University

Bio

Brian Tomaszewski PhD is a geographic information scientist with research interests in the domains of geographic information science and technology, geographic visualization, spatial thinking, disaster management, and forced displacement. His published research on geographic information systems (GIS) and disaster management related topics has appeared in top scientific journals and conferences such as Information Visualization, Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, Computers and Geosciences, the IEEE Conference on Visual Analytics Science and Technology, the IEEE Conference on Global Humanitarian Technology, and The Cartographic Journal. He also regularly publishes in popular GIS trade magazines such as ArcUser and ArcNews. He is the author of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Disaster Management, second edition published 2020 by Routledge Press and which is one of the first book length treatments on the topic. He is actively involved in international disaster management and refugee affairs research with research projects funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF). He served as a Fulbright Scholar to Poland. He is an adjunct professor with the Centre for Disaster Management and Mitigation at the Vellore Institute of Technology, India and is an Professor in the School of Interactive Games and Media at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY USA.

Personal Links

Areas of Expertise

Geographic information science and technology

Geovisual analytics

Geographic information retrieval

Context modeling and representation

Geocollaboration

Crisis Management

Computing

Select Scholarship

Peer Reviewed/Juried Poster Presentation or Conference Paper

Tomaszewski, Brian, et al. "Forced Displacement Situation Awareness with Large Language Models: Ukrainian Refugees in Poland Case Study." Proceedings of the 21st ISCRAM Conference. Ed. Berthold Penkert, et al. Münster, Germany: n.p..

Published Conference Proceedings

Tomaszewski, Brian, et al. "Towards a Geospatial Household Natural Hazard Resilience Model in Rwanda." Proceedings of the 13th annual IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC). Ed. Edward G Perkins. Villanova University,, Pennsylvania, USA: n.p., 2023. Web.

Tomaszewski, Brian. "Field Research and Teaching about Disasters and Displacement: Experiences from the International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program Rwanda." Proceedings of the American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting. Ed. Unknown. Denver, CO: n.p., 2023. Web.

Schwartz, David, et al. "Game Design for Critical Infrastructure Resilience: Game Engine Integration with Geospatial Technology." Proceedings of the 91st Symposium of MORS (Military Operations Research Society). Ed. Unknown. West Point, NY: n.p., 2023. Web.

Book Chapter

Tomaszewski, Brian. "Teaching Forced Displacement with Geospatial Technology in Refugee Camps: Lessons from Rwanda and Jordan." Migration, Displacement, and Higher Education: Now What. Ed. Brittany Murray, Matthew Brill-Carlat, and Maria Höhn. Cham, Switzerland: Springer - Palgrave MacMillan, 2023. 163-171. Print.

Tomaszewski, Brian. "Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Displacement." ICTs for Refugees and Displacement. Ed. Carleen Maitland. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2018. 165-184. Print.

Tomaszewski, Brian, et al. "GIS and Serious Games." Comprehensive Geographic Information Systems. Ed. Thomas J. Cova and Ming-Hsiang Tsou. Unknown, Unknown: Elsevier, 2018. 369–383. Print.

Journal Paper

Tomaszewski, Brian and David J. Alexander. "GIS&T and Disaster Management." The Geographic Information Science & Technology Body of Knowledge. (2022): 1-10. Web.

Tomaszewski, Brian, et al. "Building Video Games with ArcGIS Technology: Lessons Learned and Experiences." ArcUser 25. 1 (2022): 58-61. Print.

Tomaszewski, Brian, et al. "Developing a Geographic Information Capacity (GIC) Profile for Disaster Risk Management under United Nations Framework Commitments." International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction 47. (2020): 101638. Web.

Full Length Book

Tomaszewski, Brian. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Disaster Management. Second ed. Rochester, United States: Routledge, 2020. Print.

Tomaszewski, Brian. Geographic Information Systems for Disaster Management. First ed. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor and Francis (Distributed Through CRC Press), 2015. Print.

Invited Article/Publication

Tomaszewski, Brian. "Helping Syrian refugees share their stories with Esri Story Maps." Story Maps Community. (2019). Web.

Tomaszewski, Brian. "I Teach Refugees to Map Their World." The Conversation. (2018). Web.

Journal Editor

Boersma, Kees and Brian Tomaszewski, ed. Conference Proceedings: 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (ISCRAM 2018). Rochester, NY USA: n.p., 2018. Web.

Tomaszewski, Brian, ed. Future Internet: Special Issue on Geovisual Analytics. Bern: MDPI, 2012. Web.

Tomaszewski, Brian, Massimo Mecella, and Francisco Nobre, ed. Geographic Information Science and Technology and Crisis Management Special Paper Session for the 9th International ISCRAM Conference. Vancouver, Canada: ISCRAM, 2012. Print.

External Scholarly Fellowships/National Review Committee

1/5/2018 - 1/7/2018
National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences (SBE)
Amount: 1000

5/5/2018 - 11/25/2018
National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE)
Amount: 1000

5/30/2017 - 5/31/2017
National Science Foundation Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE)
Amount: $3000

Invited Keynote/Presentation

Tomaszewski, Brian. "Research Methods in Geographic Information Systems for Disaster Response." University Seminar. Columbia University Global Mental Health Program. New York, NY. 28 Nov. 2018. Keynote Speech.

Tomaszewski, Brian. "From Rochester to Rwanda: Enabling GIS Around the World." 27th annual Geographic Information Sharing Special Interest Group (GIS/SIG) conference. Geographic Information Sharing Special Interest Group (GIS/SIG). Pittsford, NY. 15 Apr. 2018. Keynote Speech.

Tomaszewski, Brian. "Crisis Mapping: Old Problems, New Challenges." Emergency and Disaster Management Program. Georgetown University. Washington, DC. 21 Sep. 2016. Guest Lecture.

Published Game, Application or Software

Tomaszewski, Brian, Heintz, Andrew, and Mupenzi, Jules. Iwacu Spatial Thinking Android App. Phone or Smart Device App. Google Play. 2015.

Tomaszewski, Brian and Siddesh Pillali. ViruWiga Mobile Medical Education Android App. Phone or Smart Device App. Google Play. 2015.

Vo, Minh Quang, Bouchard, Beau, and Brian Tomaszewski. A Practical Approach to Mapping Job Growth in the GIS Industry. Software. RIT. 2012.

Shows/Exhibits/Installations

Tomaszewski, Brian. Geographic Information Science and Technology Exhibit. 5 May 2012. ImagineRIT, Rochester, NY. Exhibit.

Ziemke, Jen. Crowdsourced Data, Volunteer Activism and Crisis Mapping from a GIS Perspective. Director. Brian Tomaszewski. 25 Apr. 2012. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY. Performance.

Tomaszewski, Brian. Visual Analysis of Global Shocks. 14 Nov. 2011. 3rd International Conference of Crisis Mappers, Geneva, Switzerland. Exhibit.

Currently Teaching

IGME-386

Spatial Algorithms and Problem Solving

3 Credits

This course is targeted to students with a serious interest in geographical problem solving via underlying spatial algorithms. Students will learn how to compare and contrast different specific spatial algorithms for solving specific geographic problems and develop proficiency with encoding and implementing spatial algorithms in computer programs. Students taking this course will gain a broad interdisciplinary skill set in how to think spatially and computationally through critical engagement of geographical problem solving.

IGME-772

Geographic Visualization

3 Credits

This course examines concepts and techniques associated with dynamic map construction, usage, and assessment. Specific topics include thematic cartography, geographic information visualization, sources of dynamic geographic information, developing animated and interactive maps, mapping mashup development, using maps as a means to support group work, usability of dynamic maps, and current geovisualization research areas. Development of a visualization prototype and an associated scholarly paper in an area related to thematic cartography and geographic visualization are required.

IMGS-799

Imaging Science Independent Study

1 - 4 Credits

This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in their graduate studies.

In the News

January 9, 2023

Staying busy between semesters

During the 15 weeks between spring and fall semester, RIT students are finding ways to embrace new challenges. Some are taking the stage and performing. Others are winning club championships. For many, summer is a time to get work experience and participate in research projects, traveling abroad, and helping others while pursuing their passions.