John F. Chamblee, Ph.D.

Database & Cartographic Design Portfolio

Humane Borders

In 2003, I began volunteering for Humane Borders, Inc.. This Tucson, AZ-based non-profit organization installs and supplies water stations in remote desert locations for use by undocumented migrants. In addition to providing water, Humane Borders also produces maps showing locations where migrants have died.

After helping the organization obtain a deeply discounted copy of ESRI's ArcGIS software, I built a Microsoft Access-based application for tracking water distribution and a GIS for more efficient map production. The results of these efforts have been more accurate maps of deaths, a model of the potential benefits of additional cell phone towers in the western Sonoran Desert, and warning posters that inform potential migrants of the dangers associated with undocumented border crossings.

These maps and posters have raised awareness about risks to migrants through their distribution in Latin America and by being featured in many news outlets.