Current Job:  Geographer for USGS Grand Canyon Monitoring Research Center
USU Job Title: Graduate Research Assistant
Current Affiliation: Department of Watershed Sciences,  Ecogeomorphology & Topographic Analysis Lab
Degree Seeking: M.S. - Watershed Science - Plan B
Faculty Advisor: Joe Wheaton
Committee Members: Joe Wheaton, Patrick Belmont, Mac Mckee
Year Started: 2012
Year Defended: 2013
Year Completed: 2014

scholarly outputs

education

  • 2014 M.S. Watershed Sciences. Utah State University
  • 2010-2011 MSc. Geo-ecosystem Dynamics. Universiteit van Amsterdam
  • 2008 B.S. Environmental Studies. University of Utah

research

Roughness modeling of surveyed topographic data
  • Algorithm development for processing and statistical analysis of large point clouds
  • Multi-beam echo sounder surveying
  • Error modeling in GIS
  • Geomorphic change detection

bio

James Hensleigh is a Geospatial Programmer/Analyst for the ET-AL at Utah State University. James earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from University of Utah in 2008. James then spent one year from 2010 to 2011 studying Geo-ecosystem Dynamics at Universiteit van Amsterdam while also working as a Research Assistant and GIS Analyst for the Institute for Environmental Studies at Vrije Universiteit. James recently completed his master's thesis "Geomorphic Change Detection using Multi-Beam SONAR". The core of this project is a synthesis of GIS and statistical analysis to develop an effective error model to quantify uncertainty involved in multi-beam SONAR surveys. Currently his main focuses are programming for Geomorphic Change Detection software, CHaMP Topo Toolbar, and refining models of surface roughness for data obtained with multi-beam SONAR.

projects

  • Geomorphic Change Detection Software
  • Utilizing multi-beam SONAR data for substrate mapping of Hell's Canyon Complex
  • web mapping application and report for Idaho Power Company (*in progress)
  • Guidelines for Bathymetric Surface Differencing with Multi-Beam SONAR
  • digital report prepared for Idaho Power Company (October 2013)
  • Geomorphic change detection using multi-beam SONAR
  • Master's Thesis - Project Manager
  • Research Assistant/GIS Analyst on project (non-author)

scholarly contributions

Peer Reviewed Publications

Conference Papers, Presentations & Posters
  • Hensleigh J., Wheaton JM, Bailey P., & Welcker C. Techniques for Robustly Developing Spatially Variable Uncertainty Models for Digital Elevation Models Using Fuzzy Inference Systems. Association of American Geographers Annual Meeting 2014 - Paper Session Advances and Challenges in Digital Elevation Models I (Overview); April 8, 2014; Tampa, FL.
  • Welcker CW., Hensleigh J., Wheaton JM., Anderson K., Butler M., & Hocker B. Bathymetry Differencing to Quantify Volumetric Change within the Snake River in Hells Canyon. American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting 2013; San Francisco, CA.
  • Hensleigh J. Addressing Uncertainty in Geomorphic Change Detection of Multi-Beam SONAR Surveys. ESRI Southwest User Conference - Engineering & Surveying Session; November 13, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT.
  • Wheaton JM., Hensleigh J., Glenn N., Bailey P., & Welcker C. Advances in Geomorphic Change Detection: Promise and Pitfalls of Working with Big Point Clouds. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting; October 30, 2013; Denver, CO.
  • Hensleigh J. (Ecogeomorphology & Topographic Analysis Lab ET-AL). Addressing Error in Geomorphic Change Detection of Multi-Beam SONAR Surveys. ESRI User Conference -  Visualize and Explore Collections of Imagery; July 9, 2013; San Diego, CA.
  • Hensleigh J. (Ecogeomorphology & Topographic Analysis Lab ET-AL). Geomorphic Change Detection Using Multi-Beam SONAR. Poster presented at: Spring Runoff Conference; 2013 April 9 - 10; Logan, UT.** Winner Outstanding Student Poster**
Reports
  • Hensleigh J. & Wheaton JM. 2014. Initial Substrate Mapping of Hells Canyon Complex With MBES Data. Ecogeomorphology & Topographic Analysis Lab, Utah State University, Prepared for Idaho Power Company, Logan, UT.
  • Wheaton JM & Hensleigh J. 2013. Guidelines for Bathymetric Surface Differencing with Multi-Beam SONAR. Ecogeomorphology & Topographic Analysis Lab, Utah State University, Prepared for Idaho Power Company, Logan, UT.
  • Leary RJ, Hensleigh JW, Wheaton JM, & Demeurichy KD. 2012. Recommended Geomorphic Change Detection Procedures for Repeat TLS Surveys from Hells Canyon, ID. Ecogeomorphology & Topographic Analysis Lab, Utah State University, Prepared for Idaho Power Company, Logan, UT, 144 pp.
Thesis
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