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Urban Mapping is a geographic data and services company. We offer high-quality and difficult-to-collect data about place.

Urban Mapping Blog

UMI Job Posting: Director, Data Sourcing

January 30th, 2010

Director, Data Sourcing

Urban Mapping is looking for a mid-level manager who thrives on multi-disciplinary thinking, creative problem solving and is adept at decision making with limited information.Your background will include exposure to rigorous quantitative training in demographics, sociology, or a related discipline and you will have professional experience that demonstrates your ability to manage small teams and multiple projects.

Requirements

-MA (min) in social sciences (demography, cognitive psychology, sociology or related) with emphasis on quantitative methods
-8 years professional experience, including 2 in a management role
-Technical proficiency in SQL, Microsoft Office, Internet research
-Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills
-Ability to drive to resolution in an information-sparse environment
-Strong project management skills
-Inquisitive mind
-Self-starter, able to know when to ask for help

Responsibilities

-Manage small team of data analysts
-Identify, evaluate, load and maintain data sets
-Work with business development to identify and source new data partners
-Maintain and grow data catalog

Urban Mapping is a geographic data and services company. We offer a data catalog that comprises 10,000+ variables across 100s of data sets from dozens of vendors and sources. This information is hosted in a cloud infrastructure and accessible to customers via services, effectively offering a web-based GIS to specific market segments. Customers include major web publishers, portals and leading companies in industry-specific verticals.

This is a full time position with competitive salary, health insurance, stock options and an enjoyable, but hyper-focused corporate culture. Position will be based in our SoMa office with minimal travel. Learn more about us at www.urbanmapping.com. If you are interested in this role, please forward a resume and note of interest to talent(at)urbanmapping(dot)com with DATA SOURCING DIRECTOR in the subject line.

UMI Job Posting: Director of Sales

January 22nd, 2010

We are seeking a skilled and talented field sales professional to sell our value-added geographic data services to medium and large enterprises. The successful candidate will possess a track record of successfully selling data or research services to enterprise customers. The focus of this position will be on acquiring new client accounts in the consumer product marketing, insurance and commercial real estate.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proven hunter to lead the sales efforts for our newest service offering – Mapfluence. This position offers the realistic opportunity for high-earnings and a path to a management role by building a small sales team as revenue permits.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Build and manage a pipeline of prospects from initial qualification to closure.
  • Follow up on incoming leads and cold-call targeted prospects.
  • Respond to inbound RFIs and RFPs as necessary.
  • Make in-person and virtual executive level presentations that communicate the Mapfluence™ value proposition.
  • Create and present professional quality proposals that address customer needs in terms of services we can deliver.
  • Provide upper management with highly reliable sales forecasts.
  • Consistently meet or exceed quarterly quota.

Job Qualifications

  • Several years experience selling data services, market research, business intelligence or marketing solutions to enterprise clients.
  • Some experience with GIS applications or geographic data services.
  • A proven track record of field sales accomplishments with consistent quota achievement.
  • Demonstrated experience selling across F2000 verticals and corporate marketing (horizontally)
  • Knowledge of ESRI, MapInfo, SHP, datum, OSM, ArcView, postgis a plus.
  • Some experience managing a small inside/outside sales team a big plus.

Compensation includes a competitive base salary and commission structure with no caps. Company benefits include employer-provided health benefits, stock options, Friday lunches, occasional outings/dinners and a fun, relaxed work environment.

Company Description

Urban Mapping is a value-added geographic data services company.  For several years, we have successfully sold our  Urbanware™ geospatial database of neighborhoods and mass transit information to companies such as Microsoft, Yahoo, MapQuest, and many other online entities.  We are a small, profitable, high energy startup that is well-positioned to continue to serve our existing markets while expanding into the enterprise market in 2010 and beyond.

To be considered for this position, please submit a resume and letter of interest to talent(at)urbanmapping.com, with Sales Director in the subject line.

UMI Job Posting: Excited, motivated geo-intern

January 22nd, 2010

Intern Description

This is a unique position that seeks to nurture a current student (or recent graduate) and provide valuable on the job learning. The work will help you develop skills in a variety of areas including project management, cartography, demography, statistics, research, GIS and possibly programming. We are interested in candidates who wish to prove they can succeed when given the chance. You will be exposed to all areas of Urban Mapping’s business and be required to demonstrate growth–this means the acquisition of knowledge, new skills/tools, autonomy, efficiency, etc…

Requirements

  • Junior/senior/recently received undergraduate degree
  • Successful academic achievement including major in geography/GIS, computer science or statistic-Inquisitive, detail-obsessed
  • Strong verbal/written communication skills
  • Detail-obsessed
  • Fluent user of MS desktop applications, advanced Internet research
  • Familiarity with at least one of the following: GIS/ESRI, RDBMS, SQL, cartographic/map design
  • Min 20 hours/week in our SoMa (San Francisco) office over a minimum six month commitment

This position pays a stipend, which is designed to partially offset living costs. If you are interested in this role, please forward a resume, unofficial transcript and a brief note of interest. Start date is based on when we find the ideal candidate. Please forward this information to talent(at)urbanmapping(dot)com and include INTERN in the subject line. No phone calls please

UMI Job Posting: Intern to Hire Geowiz

January 22nd, 2010

Urban Mapping seeks a motivated, inquisitive and whip-smart undergraduate in final year of studies to grow from an internship to full time position. This is an unusual role—we want somebody with a passion to learn, excel, do good work and most importantly, make mistakes—quickly, and learn even faster.

If you are a CS/EECS/CogSci/SymSys student with a solid academic background and have database experience, we might be interested in hearing from you. You understand good software design, are confident in your skills and potential, know when to RTFM, and aren’t afraid to ask questions.

Requirements:

  • Experience/coursework in computational geometry, computer graphics, or web development
  • Confident programming skills in C, Java, or Python and SQL experience
  • 1 or 2 semesters remaining to receive undergraduate degree
  • Ability to commit to ~20 hours/week during semester and 40+ hours/week over summer and after graduation
  • Confident and clear verbal and written communicator
  • Curiosity, passion, strong academic record
  • Interest in, curiosity about maps, geography, demographics

Urban Mapping is an established startup (read: we are healthy and profitable, and continue to pursue the bleeding edge) in San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood.  Our innovative work with geospatial data and technology is always presenting new challenges. Currently, we need help to create and manage a massive datastore of geo- and related data. You will work with a group of engineers and project managers to learn everything from metadata creation to custom ETL techniques. You must enjoy challenges, creative problem-solving and have an interest in entrepreneurship.

This position will begin as a co-op role, then (hopefully) evolve into a full time internship over the summer and (ideally) turn into a full time position upon graduation. We offer Fri lunch, occasional outings/retreats/teach-ins and a fun work environment.

TO APPLY:
1. Visit our blog and site to learn a bit more about us
2. Write up your solutions the two problems below. Credit will be given for effort; incomplete submissions will be ignored.
3. Send a cover letter, solutions, resume and to talent(at)urbanmapping(dot)com

Problem #1 – Show code/commands in the language/tools of your choice  to extract a list of unique IPs/apikey pairs from a log with following format:

napi.urbanmapping.com 208.13.194.18 - - [09/Sep/2009:10:43:11 -0700]
“GET /neighborhoods/rest/getNeighborhoodsByLatLng? lat=43.6366595&
lng=-79.4250212&format=xml&apikey=8k3pent5qzztwn HTTP/1.0″
200 1105 “-” “Drupal (+http://drupal.org/)” “Basic”
getNeighborhoodsByLatLng 1
tapi.urbanmapping.com 83.40.19.38 - - [09/Sep/2009:10:44:44 -0700]
“GET /find/stations/near_point.json?lat=40.756945&lng= -73.978243
&searchrange=1000&transit_system_id=&apikey=a2de289b1a93a8541f998
HTTP/1.0″ 200 2434 “-” “Pingdom.com_bot _version_1.4_
(http://www.pingdom.com/)” “Proximity” prox_stations_near_point 1

Problem #2 - You have a dataset of geographic boundaries (Census Blocks) which aggregate demographic statistics.  You want to estimate the same statistics for an arbitrary polygonal region. Describe in words or pseudocode a process for calculating these stats and discuss any problems with your solution.

ISO: Data Wrangler (ie, Urban Mapping seeking geodata maven)

September 9th, 2009

Urban Mapping is looking for a recent CS/EECS/CogSci/SymSys graduate with 1-2 years professional experience, solid academic background and experience working with large-scale datasets, databases, geodata and maps. You understand good software design, can build robust tools and know how get things done with magic on the UNIX command line or scripts. You are confident in your skills and potential, know when to RTFM, and aren’t afraid to ask questions.

Urban Mapping is an established startup (read: we have paying customers) in San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood.  Our innovative work with geospatial data and technology is always presenting new challenges. Currently, we need help to create and manage a massive datastore of geo- and related data. You will work in engineering as the de facto Data Wrangler but enjoy the entrepreneurial challenge and will find many areas to shine and learn.

Essential knowledge:

- Linux, shell scripting
- Intermediate to advanced SQL
- Very confident in one of: Python, Ruby, C, Perl, Java
- Exposure to GIS and geospatial tools
- Attention to detail

The ideal candidate will:

- Have FOSSG experience: PostgreSQL/PostGIS, GeoDjango, OSM
- Know rendering and tiling tools (TileCache, Mapnik)
- Understand cartography, projections, etc.
- Server-side web development experience
- Python/Django guru
- WhereCamper!

If this sounds of interest, please visit our blog to learn a bit more about us. This is a full time position with salary, health insurance, other benefits (Fri lunch on the company, occasional outings/retreats, etc) and equity compensation. To apply, send your solutions the following two problems, resume and a cover letter to talent(at)urbanmapping(dot)com. Credit given for effort, and incomplete submissions will be ignored.

Problem #1 – Show code to extract a list of unique IPs/apikey pairs from a log with following format:

napi.urbanmapping.com 208.13.194.18 – - [09/Sep/2009:10:43:11 -0700] “GET /neighborhoods/rest/getNeighborhoodsByLatLng? lat=43.6366595&lng=-79.4250212&format=xml&apikey=8k3pent5qzztwn HTTP/1.0″ 200 1105 “-” “Drupal (+http://drupal.org/)” “Basic” getNeighborhoodsByLatLng 1
tapi.urbanmapping.com 83.40.19.38 – - [09/Sep/2009:10:44:44 -0700] “GET /find/stations/near_point.json?lat=40.756945&lng= -73.978243&searchrange=1000&transit_system_id=&apikey=a2de289b1a93a8541f998 HTTP/1.0″ 200 2434 “-” “Pingdom.com_bot _version_1.4_(http://www.pingdom.com/)” “Proximity” prox_stations_near_point 1

Problem #2 – You have a dataset of geographic boundaries (Census Blocks) which aggregate demographic statistics.  You want to estimate the same statistics for an arbitrary polygonal region. Describe a process for calculating these stats and discuss any problems with your solution.

UMI Jobs: Generalists Wanted

August 4th, 2008

We’re looking for a few people to keep up with our growth and positions at UMI tend to be based on external candidate rather than an internal decision. So, if you are interested in what we are doing and are interested in learning more, please submit your resume with a brief note of interests to talent(at)urbanmapping(dot)com. Actively seeking the following skills (ideally in one individual, but not likely!):

  • Academic background/interest in geography, urban planning, cognitive psychology or computer science
  • Project management
  • Inside sales experience
  • C-level business development
  • Quantitative research
  • GIS
  • SQL
  • SAS
  • SPSS
  • DBMS
  • Python
  • Interaction design
  • PHP

Office Manager/Project Assistant (with Moxie) Wanted

July 12th, 2008

We are on the hunt for a curious, driven and organized individual to support all aspects of operations, and then some. In this role, you will have responsibility for ensuring overall organization of the office and will also support sales, marketing and product development efforts.

We are a small, nimble organization and look for individuals who are able to make contributions in a variety of areas. This role is unusual in that it will be about 50% administrative and 50% special projects, so candidates with the right experience will be able to grow this position into into something more. If you have limited professional experience but haven’t found an environment to prove your capabilities, this could be it.

Administrative/office management support responsibilities include:

  • Telephone, mailing, filing, order supplies, scheduling support, general office cleanliness, assistant to CEO

Special projects will include a variety of tasks: research, lead generation, layout/design, HTML and marketing.

The following skills are required:

  • 0-4 yrs professional experience
  • Proven attention to detail in previous positions
  • Self starter, can do attitude
  • Time/project management skills
  • Interest in maps, geography or GIS
  • Undergraduate degree
  • Strong verbal/written communication skills
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications, Internet research (advanced web searching, proprietary research tools)

Note this position will begin as a contractor position with the possibility of conversion to a salaried role within several months.

To be considered for this position, please follow (closely) the following instructions. If instructions aren’t followed, your candidacy won’t be considered!

Email a note of interest along with resume to talent(at)urbanmapping(dot)com (same address as the reply to in this posting) with “Office Manager” in the subject line. Your letter of interest and resume should speak to how your skills are relevant for this position.

No phone calls, please!

Seeking Senior-level Geotechnologist

November 15th, 2007

UMI is growing and looking to expand its core team to include a seasoned technology professional who is comfortable managing projects, interfacing with customers, speaking at public events, designing systems architecture, overseeing offshore development, contributing to core products and developing/maintaining new ones.

Only those comfortable with the entrepreneurial ethic need apply–that means a can do ‘whatever the cost’ attitude, passion for the geospatial, excitement over creating the Next Big Thing and interest in joining a small group of management-limited, relatively meetings-free run and gun starup.

We don’t have a job description for this role, but can tell you a few things we look for:

  • 15+ years experience
  • Extensive project management/people skills
  • Varied DBMS skills – you need not be a DBA, but you must have strong competency with flavors of SQL
  • Varied programming skills – Programming isn’t something you’ll need to do (much of), but you must have this foundation to be able to manage others and make informed decisions about technology strategy
  • Varied systems/environment skills – Vservers, various flavors of Linux, SOAP, REST, etc, etc…
  • Geointerest or background

We aren’t looking for a lifelong ESRI booster. Somebody who understands the geo in the context of interactive web applications will have the ability to quickly learn and adapt. For Urban Mapping, the technology is only a means, not the ends, to achieve our goals.

If you are interested in this role, please forward a resume with a note describing your interest. Send it to talent [at] urbanmapping [dot] com with GEOTECHNOLOGIST in the headline.

UMI Seeking (Geo)data Analyst Redux!

October 9th, 2007

Urban Mapping seeks an inquisitive and capable entry-level researcher for a unique multidisciplinary role. Working with business and technical staff, we seek candidates who have proven themselves in conducting research through non-traditional and creative channels. You will support development of Urban Mapping’s print and digital products by taking guidance from product managers to identify, source, standardize and manage spatial data. You will use your technical skills to manipulate data, create reports and contribute to development of our home-grown tools.

Required skills include:

  • 0-3 years professional experience
  • Interest/background in geography, urban planning, cognitive psychology or computer science
  • Strong computer skills (PC/Mac)
  • Able to structure/perform complex web searches (think Google advanced search)
  • RDBMS experience including basic SQL
  • Detail-oriented, self-managed
  • Clear, cogent written and oral communication skills.

We pride ourselves on working in a creative, entrepreneurially-driven environment. Our methods are novel, but our approach has yielded valuable insights and results. We are interested in candidates who have a solid technical foundation but want to apply these skills in a broader context. This position will be a contract position of about 20 hours per week.

Please Note: If you come from ‘traditional’ GIS training, this position is (unfortunately) not for you.

Urban Mapping employs user-focused techniques to develop geo-spatial data products to industry and innovative maps and wayfinding-related tools for consumers. We are based in San Francisco.

To be considered for this position, please forward a resume and brief note speaking to your training and experience. Email to talent [at] urbanmapping [dot] com. Indicate “Geodata Analyst” in the subject line. Compensation is hourly rate. No phone calls please!

Urban Mapping Seeks (Geo)data Analyst

July 5th, 2007

Urban Mapping seeks an inquisitive and capable entry-level researcher for a unique multidisciplinary role. Working with business and technical staff, we seek candidates who have proven themselves in conducting research through non-traditional and creative channels. You will support development of Urban Mapping’s print and digital products by taking guidance from product managers to identify, source, standardize and manage spatial data. You will use your technical skills to manipulate data, create reports and contribute to development of our home-grown tools.

Required skills include:

  • 0-3 years professional experience
  • Interest/background in geography, urban planning, cognitive psychology or computer science
  • Strong computer skills (PC/Mac)
  • Able to structure/perform complex web searches (think Google advanced search)
  • RDBMS experience including basic SQL
  • Detail-oriented, self-managed
  • Clear, cogent written and oral communication skills.

We pride ourselves on working in a creative, entrepreneurially-driven environment. Our methods are novel, but our approach has yielded valuable insights and results. We are interested in candidates who have a solid technical foundation but want to apply these skills in a broader context.

Urban Mapping employs user-focused techniques to develop geo-spatial data products to industry and innovative maps and wayfinding-related tools for consumers.

To be considered for this position, please forward a resume and brief note speaking to your training and experience. Email to talent [at] urbanmapping [dot] com. Indicate “Geodata Analyst” in the subject line. Compensation is base salary, performance bonus and equity participation. No phone calls please! Urban Mapping employs user-focused techniques to develop geo-spatial data products to industry and innovative maps and wayfinding-related tools for consumers.