Turning Complex Data & Technology Into Better Decisions

Data scientist, solutions architect, author, and strategic advisor specializing in federal technology modernization, cloud architecture, geospatial intelligence, and critical thinking.

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David G. Smith

About David

Making complex information useful.

I am an engineer, technical architect, data scientist, and author based in Washington, D.C. With extensive experience in the private sector and as a federal IT professional, I specialize in navigating the complex intersection of enterprise data, cloud architecture, and geospatial technology.

While my technical expertise spans AI and machine learning, cloud architecture, data science and data engineering, geospatial and other technologies, my core focus is always on the human element: helping leaders and organizations improve strategic direction and understand complex information. Whether I'm designing a data mesh for environmental quality tracking or writing about cognitive biases, the unifying theme of my work is equipping people with the tools to make better, more rational decisions.

I am passionate about translating technical possibilities into practical realities, and I bring a disciplined, critical-thinking approach to both technology modernization and everyday problem-solving.

Selected Work

Enterprise Architecture & Data Modernization

Cloud Architecture & Data Mesh

USGS Water Quality Portal Migration

Led the architectural migration of the USGS Water Quality Portal data mesh into the US EPA Data Management and Analytics Platform (DMAP). This modernization effort securely federated massive environmental datasets for improved accessibility and scalable cloud performance.

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Federal IT Modernization

Envirofacts Cloud-Native Rebuild

Architected the rebuild of the EPA's Envirofacts system as a cloud-native application within the DMAP environment. Replaced legacy monolithic structures with resilient, AWS-backed data pipelines to ensure reliable public access to critical environmental records.

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Geospatial Intelligence

MyEnvironment Spatial Integration

Provided geospatial data integration and systems engineering for the EPA MyEnvironment mapping platform, enabling users to effortlessly visualize cross-media environmental data in their immediate geographic location.

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Geospatial Intelligence & Policy

NEPAssist

Supported advanced spatial analysis capabilities for NEPAssist, an application facilitating the environmental review process. The tool leverages complex GIS web services to support critical infrastructure and regulatory decision-making.

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Thinking About Technology

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Author

Critical Thinking: A Practical Guide Through Manipulation

How to recognize manipulation, identify flawed reasoning, and think more clearly in an information-saturated world. Equip yourself with the mental tools to navigate misinformation and make sound, rational decisions in everyday life and business.

Who this book is for:

Professionals, students, and citizens looking to build cognitive resilience against logical fallacies, media spin, and everyday manipulative tactics.

"An incredibly grounded and practical manual for making better decisions. Smith breaks down complex cognitive science into actionable daily defenses."

— Advance Reviewer
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Critical Thinking Book Cover

Forthcoming Work

AI for Small Business (Series)

Demystifying artificial intelligence for SMEs. This upcoming series provides actionable roadmaps for integrating AI tools to optimize operations, reduce costs, and scale effectively without needing enterprise budgets.

Consulting & Advisory

I help organizations make better use of data and technology.

My work spans data science, cloud architecture, geospatial systems, data governance, and technology modernization. I particularly enjoy problems where the technical solution has to work within complex organizational, regulatory, and operational constraints.

Federal & Public-Sector Organizations

Modernizing legacy data environments, navigating compliance, and architecting secure, resilient cloud solutions (AWS) for massive datasets.

Organizations With Complex Data

Building data pipelines, mesh architectures, and geospatial intelligence systems that make information easier to find, understand, and use.

Business Leaders

Translating technical possibilities into practical, executive-level decisions. Advisory guidance on data strategy, engineering leadership, and innovation.

Authors & Educators

Collaborating on topics related to critical thinking, information literacy, and the practical impacts of artificial intelligence on small business.

Available for selected advisory and consulting engagements.

Let's Talk

Get In Touch

Interested in discussing advisory board roles, technology consulting, speaking engagements, or my writing? Reach out directly via email or connect with me on LinkedIn.

Email: d.smith.publishing@gmail.com Connect on LinkedIn