Sumerset Ellis of Utah Transit Authority Honored with Utah Excellence in GIS Award at UGIC Conference
Logan, UT — 5/14/2025 — The Utah Geographic Information Council (UGIC) is proud to announce Sumerset Ellis of the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) as the recipient of the 2025 Utah Excellence in GIS Award, recognizing her outstanding achievements in geographic information systems (GIS) and her visionary leadership in transforming UTA’s asset management and public data accessibility.
As GIS Manager at UTA, Ellis led a groundbreaking effort to connect the agency’s tabular asset database with spatial representations, allowing for real-time field verification, editing, and inspection of assets across UTA’s extensive service area. The project significantly increased the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of asset inspections, improving operations for both field and office staff.
In just two years, the new system facilitated the inspection of over 21,000 assets, achieving an unprecedented 99% location rate. This innovation helped UTA meet rigorous bi-annual reporting requirements from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), while also improving internal collaboration and data integrity.
Ellis also played a key role in developing the UTA Open Data Portal (maps.rideuta.com), increasing transparency and positioning UTA as a leading source of transit-related geospatial data for government agencies, private firms, researchers, and the general public.
“Sumerset’s innovative work has revolutionized the way UTA manages and shares spatial data,” said Michael Van Hatten, Geospatial Solutions Developer at HNTB. “Her leadership has not only enhanced internal operations but also set a new benchmark for how public agencies can leverage GIS to improve service delivery and community engagement.”
Beyond the technical accomplishments, Ellis is recognized for fostering a supportive and collaborative team environment, mentoring staff, and championing the role of public transit in building sustainable, connected communities.
The Utah Excellence in GIS Award celebrates individuals whose work exemplifies innovation, impact, and leadership in the GIS field across the state. Sumerset Ellis’s work stands as a model for how technology and vision can come together to deliver meaningful public value.
About UGIC
The Utah Geographic Information Council (UGIC) is a statewide organization that promotes GIS education, collaboration, and best practices. The annual UGIC Conference is Utah’s premier GIS event, bringing together professionals from government, academia, and private industry to celebrate excellence and share knowledge in geospatial technology.
For more information, visit ugic.org.