At IMAGEM people with a wide range of talents, but some colleagues really make a difference. Dennis Westmaas is one such person. With his 15th anniversary approaching, we asked him about his experiences, what drives him, and what makes his work so special. One thing is certain: Dennis’s role goes far beyond what his title suggests. What makes him so indispensable? Read on to find out!
"The people at IMAGEM really drew me in; we hit it off right away."
— Dennis Westmaas, Senior Geospatial Solutions Specialist
Please describe your job.
My official title is Senior Geospatial Solutions Specialist, but my role is much broader. I’m responsible for system administration and ensure that complex server and cloud solutions—such as Erdas , LuciadFusion, and M.App Enterprise —are implemented seamlessly for our clients. In addition, I develop and teach courses, provide support, and assist clients with technical installations. It’s very varied and challenging work.
What is your background?
I started out as a systems administrator and have a strong background in IT. That was my role at my previous employer as well, but I joined this company because I found raster data more interesting and challenging than GIS alone.
What do you like about working at IMAGEM?
Collaborating with colleagues, interacting with clients, and solving complex problems. I find interacting with clients particularly rewarding, even though it’s happening online more often than I’d like these days. Fortunately, I still teach courses in person on a regular basis. That creates a different dynamic; you get to know the person behind the client or colleague better.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I was involved from the very beginning in the implementation of Erdas . Those projects were challenging, especially because there weren’t always ready-made solutions. It’s incredibly rewarding to work together to devise and implement a creative solution.
What attracted you to this job?
The variety in the work and the people. I already knew a few colleagues from my previous employer, and we hit it off right away. That made the decision easy.
What are your fondest memories with the team?
The early days were fantastic. We’d play poker at lunchtime, and after work we’d grab a drink on a patio or go play pool. I do miss that kind of social interaction now, especially since so many people are working from home these days.
What's your favorite project right now?
Projects for the Department of Defense. The complexity and challenges make them particularly interesting to me.
Who on the team would you like to switch jobs with?
Maybe with Robbert or Tjip, who, as business consultants, work closely with clients. I really enjoy interacting with clients and think you can learn a lot from their processes.
What three words would you use to describe your job?
Varied, with lots of changes, and at times challenging.
What was the first thing you learned at the company?
The fundamentals of our software. That was challenging because I didn’t have a background in geography. I had a lot to learn, but that’s what made it interesting.
Who was your first desk mate? And who is it now?
Wim Bozelie and Henk Kersten, but they don't work here anymore. I mostly work from home now and am in frequent contact with Tjip, Robbert, and Peter.
If you could change one thing about the company, what would it be?
The workplace. I miss the daily interaction with my colleagues. Just having a quick coffee together or grabbing a drink on a terrace after work makes work so much more enjoyable. The social aspect is really important.
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
I have a whole bunch of hobbies. For example, I love playing the strategic tabletop game Warhammer. The game originated in England and is partly inspired by Tolkien’s books. For the game, I collect and paint miniatures, and everyone has their own army. You play with two armies against each other on a large table. The game revolves around strategy and creative solutions and can last for hours. I got into it when a classmate took me to a battle when I was 18, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I also enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy and watching action movies and Westerns.
I once wrote my own role-playing game, in which players spent months immersed in a story full of challenges. That was an amazing experience!
Is there anything else you'd like to say?
No, I think we've covered everything!
