Brian Blankespoor is a Senior Geographer in the Development Data Group of the World Bank. With 18 years of experience at the institution, he specializes in producing spatial data, automating the integration of large datasets, and developing spatial models for economic analysis. He is a coauthor of peer reviewed articles specifically on issues of environment, transportation, and economic geography. He represents the World Bank in the United Nations Geospatial Network, serving as co vice-chair, and is also the co-chair of the World Bank Geospatial Community. Prior to the World Bank, he held analytical positions in the private sector and World Wildlife Fund. He is a certified GISP (Geographic Information System Professional) and holds a M.Sc. in Applied Economics from The Johns Hopkins University, a M.Sc. in Geography from Oregon State University and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Calvin College.