Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Sandra Chakra

Charlotte

Summary

GIS analyst with over 10 years of experience in geospatial analysis and data management, specializing in location intelligence to enhance business strategies. Proven track record in leading large-scale electric distribution projects and integrating UAV data into ArcGIS platforms. Expertise in site suitability analysis, demographic modeling, and advanced spatial analytics. Proficient in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, dedicated to converting complex data into actionable insights and impactful visualizations.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Adjunct Instructor

Rowan Cabarrus Community College
Concord
08.2015 - Current
  • GIS technology courses with an emphasis on Emergency Management and Public Safety, equipping students with practical and technical skills in spatial analysis and geospatial data applications for crisis response scenarios.

Senior GIS Analyst

Duke Energy Corporation
Charlotte
08.2021 - 07.2025
  • Senior analyst on large-scale electric grid project in the Carolina's and Indiana: With a focus on integrating geospatial data for drone-based grid circuit surveys.
  • Supported UAV flight teams in managing flight planning, data acquisition, asset inspection and postprocessing of aerial imagery.
  • Led cross-functional collaboration, managing Jira-based workflows to align tasks, monitor progress, and deliver key project outcomes on schedule.
  • Developed and maintained web map applications and interactive dashboards in ArcGIS Online to visualize asset conditions, inspection results, and field updates.
  • Supported the migration of map development to an ArcGIS Online platform, significantly enhancing data accessibility, ensuring data integrity and improving user interaction for all teams across the project. This initiative streamlined workflows and empowered field operations with accurate interactive mapping tools.

GIS Analyst

YSG Solar
Charlotte
12.2021 - 07.2021
  • Site suitability and location analysis for large solar development projects, leveraging GIS techniques to identify optimal development sites based on environmental, economic and regulatory factors.
  • Market research to support renewable energy project development, identifying emerging industry trends, assessing competitor strategies, and evaluating regional opportunities to inform strategic decision-making.

GIS Analyst

Ancestry
Charlotte
04.2020 - 01.2021
  • Enriched geospatial datasets by implementing standardized workflows using QGIS, ensuring consistency and improving usability across various projects.
  • Developed and refined workflows to streamline GIS data analysis, resulting in faster processing times and more accurate geospatial insights.

GIS Freelancer

Geo Nerds
Charlotte
12.2017 - 03.2020
  • Custom cartography projects, including interactive web maps using ArcGIS platform. GIS analysis and site suitability analysis using Esri Business Analysis.
  • Successfully managed multiple GIS projects concurrently, adhering to tight deadlines and delivering exceptional quality for diverse clients.

Lead GIS Analyst

The Map Shop
Charlotte
09.2016 - 11.2017
  • Designed and maintained GIS databases for custom and in-house map projects.
  • Produced high-quality cartographic products adhering to company standards and client specifications.
  • Managed print and digital map production processes.

Education

Master of Science - Geospatial Information Science and Technology

North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC

Bachelor of Arts - Geography

University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC

Skills

GIS & Technical

  • ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise
  • QGIS, Mapbox
  • Spatial analysis, site suitability, demographic modeling,and environmental assessments
  • Geodatabase design, geospatial ETL, SQL for spatial data
  • Interactive dashboards (ArcGIS Dashboards, Power BI), cartography, web mapping
  • UAV data acquisition, aerial imagery post-processing, LiDAR integration
  • Python (arcpy, geopandas), ModelBuilder workflows, automation scripting

Business Analysis & Project Management

  • Requirements gathering & stakeholder communication
  • Business process modeling, documentation, SOPs, training materials
  • Market research & industry trend analysis (renewable energy focus)
  • Workflow optimization & process improvement initiatives
  • Project lifecycle management
  • Jira, ServiceNow, MS Project, Trello for workflow tracking
  • Cross-functional collaboration, team leadership & training

Certification

Sustainability Technologies Certificate - Specialization in Renewable Energy, Central Piedmont Community College, December 2025 Expected

Timeline

GIS Analyst

YSG Solar
12.2021 - 07.2021

Senior GIS Analyst

Duke Energy Corporation
08.2021 - 07.2025

GIS Analyst

Ancestry
04.2020 - 01.2021

GIS Freelancer

Geo Nerds
12.2017 - 03.2020

Lead GIS Analyst

The Map Shop
09.2016 - 11.2017

Adjunct Instructor

Rowan Cabarrus Community College
08.2015 - Current

Master of Science - Geospatial Information Science and Technology

North Carolina State University

Bachelor of Arts - Geography

University of South Carolina

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Sandra Chakra