Women have been shaping Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for centuries—long before the technology existed. From medieval cartographers to modern GIS scientists, women have played a crucial role in mapping our world, often without the recognition they deserve.
Here in Truckee, Sarah Kunnen, the Town of Truckee’s GIS Technician in the Public Works Department, continues this legacy. Sarah manages GIS data for the Town, including roadways, trails, and drainage infrastructure. She creates internal and public-facing maps, including the popular "Where’s My Plow" snow removal tracker. With a background in Cultural Anthropology and a Graduate Certificate in GIS, Sarah loves that GIS sits at the crossroads of art, science, and technology, transforming raw data into maps that inform decisions and solve geographic challenges.
Women Who Paved the Way
Medieval Mapping Nuns – The Ebstorf Map (1234)
One of the oldest known cartographic records, the Ebstorf Map is a massive medieval map of the world that served as both a geographical and ethnographic record. Illustrated on 30 goatskins, the map was likely co-created by the nuns of Ebstorf, who were known for their craftsmanship in the arts. The map detailed cities, rivers, biblical stories, and cultural traditions, demonstrating the early contributions of women to geographic knowledge. Learn more about the mapping nuns.
Millie the Mapper – WWII’s Military Mapping Maidens
During World War II, women stepped up to support the war effort as military mapmakers, drafting and computing battle maps critical to military strategy. These women—often referred to as "Millie the Mapper" or the Military Mapping Maidens—used photogrammetry to interpret aerial images and create detailed topographic maps. Their work was crucial for military operations, ensuring accurate navigation and planning. Read more about their military mapping.
Dr. Dawn Wright – Mapping the Deepest Ocean
A modern GIS pioneer, Dr. Dawn Wright is the Chief Scientist at Esri, the world’s leading GIS software company. She has been instrumental in using GIS to map the ocean floor and was the first and only Black person to explore Challenger Deep—the deepest point on Earth—on an exploratory dive in 2022. Her groundbreaking work continues to push the boundaries of what GIS can achieve. See Dr. Wrights work.
Mapping the Future
Women continue to make strides in GIS, using spatial data to inform urban planning, transportation, environmental conservation, and emergency response. Organizations like Women in GIS help connect and support women in the field, ensuring future generations continue to shape the world through maps and data.
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Sarah Kunnen and the countless women—past, present, and future—who have shaped the way we see and understand our world.