Today, Danuta Greblowska’s work centers around topographic lidar, drawing on her deep expertise in photogrammetry, remote sensing, and classical surveying.
But how did her childhood in Poland – and decades of education and experience – lead her to become a Senior Analyst and Project Manager at GeoTerra, Inc., a leader in aerial acquisition and mapping?
She shares her professional story with In The Scan.
Finding a Direction Early
In 1990s Poland, students had to choose a professional path earlier than most – often at the end of elementary school. The country’s educational structure followed a fixed track: elementary school, then either high school or trade school, followed by university. In a time of economic and political transformation across Eastern Europe, options were limited and decisions had long-term consequences.
“I chose geodesy—land surveying—not only out of curiosity,” Danuta explains, “but because it offered the promise of stable, meaningful work. I had an aptitude for math and physics, and surveying seemed like a practical way to apply those strengths.”
After high school, she enrolled in the Department of Geodesy and Cartography. The first two years were intentionally intense, designed to test students’ commitment. She balanced theoretical coursework with hands-on training using survey equipment.
“Some of the concepts felt abstract at first,” she recalls, “but those early lessons laid a foundation that would later give me a clear advantage in the field.”
From Principles to Practice
It was during this time that she came to understand the importance of principles and theory—how mastering the “why” behind the work builds confidence in applying it.
“As our university projects started mimicking real-world scenarios, everything began to click,” she says. “Concepts turned into maps. Equations turned into elevations. Survey points became the building blocks of spatial awareness.”
In her third year, students were required to specialize. Danuta chose Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, and GIS—a path that offered the perfect blend of technical challenge and creative application.
Her final year was filled with captivating projects: photogrammetrically reconstructing ornate church facades, mapping cathedral ceilings, and exploring national GIS databases. Her thesis focused on how publicly available spatial data could support key national programs.
Stepping into the Field
Danuta’s first professional role involved mapping and calculating agricultural parcels eligible for European Union subsidies. It was a hands-on introduction to applied remote sensing and land analysis.
“I quickly realized how broad the field of geospatial science really is. It’s used in everything—from agriculture to archaeology to self-driving vehicles. Remote sensing is everywhere.”
As technology evolved, so did her tools. Still, she never forgot the value of her classroom experience.
“At university, we built control networks with theodolites, tied them to ground monuments, and created survey maps from scratch. That experience—creating maps from nothing—remains one of the most valuable parts of my education.”
Pushing the Edge of the Map
Over time, Danuta found herself drawn to the kinds of places most people avoid: locations that are remote, rugged, and risky. Her favorite mapping projects have taken her to the tips of coastal jetties, volcanic craters, cliff edges, hydrological dams, and geologically complex formations.
“These sites often support restoration work, landslide monitoring, floodplain planning, erosion control, and wildfire mitigation. They’re places where detailed, accurate mapping truly matters.”
Today at GeoTerra
Now, as a Senior Analyst and Project Manager at GeoTerra, Inc. in Eugene Oregon, Danuta works at the forefront of aerial mapping and data acquisition, with a focus on topographic lidar. She applies decades of accumulated knowledge to evaluate datasets, design solutions, and manage complex projects.
“Every sensor brings new challenges. Each project demands a custom approach. That’s what keeps the work exciting.”
From theodolites to lidar, Danuta Greblowska’s journey is a testament to the value of curiosity, adaptability, and a rock-solid foundation in the science of spatial data.
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