Christopher Shaffer

Christopher Shaffer is a GIS Manager and Instructor in the Environmental Science & Sustainability Department at Allegheny College. He specializes in geospatial technologies, including GIS, GPS, remote sensing, and sUAS, to address environmental challenges.

• Education: B.S. in Geography with a GIS concentration and a minor in Information Systems from Clarion University of Pennsylvania (2000)

With over 25 years of experience in digital geographic data management and analysis, Shaffer focuses on GIS-based multicriteria evaluation techniques such as Boolean logic, weighted linear combination, and fuzzy logic. His work emphasizes transforming geographic data into actionable information through advanced map manipulation and overlay methods in vector and raster environments.

He teaches courses like Environmental GIS I/II, Independent Study, and Senior Project I/II, while managing the Carr Hall GIS lab. His technical expertise spans geodatabase design, geoprocessing modeling, image classification, and geospatial AI applications.

Shaffer has held continuous roles at Allegheny College since 2000, progressing from GIS Laboratory Manager to his current dual position as GIS Manager/Instructor. He facilitates experiential learning through collaborations with local stakeholders.