Greg Cocks
About Greg Cocks
Greg Cocks is a Senior Applied Researcher and Spatial Data Scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey, where he leads the 3D Hydrography Program. He has extensive experience in environmental science, geology, and GIS, having worked for various organizations including The S.M. Stoller Corporation and Lynker Technologies.
Current Role at U.S. Geological Survey
Greg Cocks serves as a Senior Applied Researcher and Spatial Data Scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) since 2021. In this role, he leads the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP), which focuses on the systematic remapping of the nation’s hydrography. His responsibilities include coordinating technical work and directing the contributions of team members to enhance the accessibility and utility of hydrologic data. Cocks plays a significant role in integrating advanced data sources, such as 3DEP’s LiDAR and ifSAR data, to create 250 million 3D-enabled hydrologic flowlines.
Previous Experience and Roles
Prior to his current position, Greg Cocks worked at several organizations in various roles. He was a Spatial Data Scientist and Water Resources Engineer at Lynker Technologies, supporting NOAA for seven months in 2020-2021. From 2007 to 2012, he was employed as an Environmental Scientist and Scientific Data Analyst at The S.M. Stoller Corporation. His earlier positions include Engineering Geologist at Golder and GIS Analyst at Integral Consulting Inc. His diverse background spans roles in geology, GIS analysis, and environmental science.
Educational Background
Greg Cocks holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology and a Master of Science in Geology from The University of Auckland. He also completed certificate courses in GIS and VB.NET at the University of Washington. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his work in spatial data science and hydrology, equipping him with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to research and development projects.
Contributions to 3D Hydrography Program
In his role at USGS, Greg Cocks is actively involved in the 3D Hydrography Program, which is the first comprehensive remapping of the nation’s hydrography since the original USGS topographic mapping program. He contributes to the development of dynamic data delivery systems and platform-agnostic development prototyping. His work includes creating value-added derivatives such as catchments and mainstems, enhancing the overall utility of hydrologic data for various applications.
Technical Skills and Expertise
Greg Cocks possesses a range of technical skills relevant to his field. His expertise includes GIS analysis, hydrologic modeling, and data integration. He has experience in utilizing advanced data sources, such as LiDAR and ifSAR, to generate detailed hydrologic features. His proficiency in spatial data science enables him to support various research initiatives and operational projects effectively.