Timothy Prestby

Timothy Prestby is an Assistant Professor of Geography in the College of Integrated Science & Engineering at James Madison University, where he founded and directs the JMU Map Lab (2025). His academic journey includes a Ph.D. and M.S. in Geography from Pennsylvania State University, and a B.S. in Honors Cartography and GIS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

His research bridges cartography, geographic information science, and human-centered design, with specific focus areas including:

• Interactive map usability and cognitive processing
• Trust mechanisms in geospatial visualization
• Data storytelling for environmental and social issues
• User experience optimization in GIS tools

Publication analysis reveals strong emphasis on applied cartography, with recent works examining trust metrics (2023-2024), coastal management systems (2022), pandemic communication (2022), and urban spatial networks (2020). Methodologies frequently integrate quantitative content analysis, spatial network modeling, and user studies.

Awards and recognitions include:

• Three 1st Place awards at WLIA Map Competition (2019)
• CaGIS Arthur Robinson Award Honorable Mention (2020)
• CaGIS David Woodward Digital Map Award Honorable Mention (2020)

Through the JMU Map Lab, he mentors students in community-engaged projects addressing environmental stewardship, social equity, and public health. His teaching covers fundamental and advanced GIS principles with emphasis on spatial problem-solving.