Brian McClendon

Brian McClendon is a Research Professor at the University of Kansas School of Engineering's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Previously, he served as Vice President at Google, leading the Geo business unit responsible for Google Maps, Street View, and Google Earth. His work earned him the United Nations 'Champions of the Earth' award in 2013 and induction into the National Academy of Engineering in 2015. He holds an honorary doctorate in electrical engineering from KU and has over 30 patents.

His research focuses on democratizing machine learning, computer vision, autonomous vehicles, and next-generation mapping technologies. Key areas include intelligent geographic information systems, autonomous vehicle navigation, and privacy-preserving geolocation solutions. His work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing scalable, user-centric systems.

Notable contributions include innovations in distributed GIS architecture, encryption for transport systems, and methods for image-based location determination. His patents and publications reflect expertise in geospatial data management, sensor integration, and cybersecurity in transportation.

• Awards:
  • UN Champions of the Earth (2013)
  • National Academy of Engineering Member (2015)
  • Honorary Doctorate in EE (KU, 2015)
• Grants/Political Activity:
  • Ran for Kansas Secretary of State (2018, Democratic ticket)

His lab collaborations emphasize real-world applications of mapping technology, including disaster zone mapping and indoor navigation systems. Current projects explore AI-driven mapping and ethical geospatial data practices.