MSGIS Student Peter Seabrook Nominated for Esri Innovation Program Award

A smiling man with short reddish-brown hair, a beard, and clear-framed glasses poses for a medium close-up outdoors. He is wearing a teal long-sleeved athletic shirt and a black hiking backpack with the chest strap buckled. The background features a vast, sunlit landscape of rolling hills covered in dense green forest under a bright sky.

Each year, the Esri Innovation Program (EIP) recognizes students who demonstrate creativity and technical skill while applying ArcGIS technology in innovative ways.

This year, the Master of Science in Geospatial Information Sciences (MSGIS) program at the Department of Geographical Sciences has nominated Peter Seabrook, who has been selected as the 2026 UMD EIP Student of the Year.

Seabrook’s project, “The Temporal Twin: Driving Unity with GIS – A Proof of Concept,” explores a novel use of GIS in game engine technology. He used ArcGIS Pro, Unity and the ArcGIS Maps SDK for Unity to create a spatially accurate 3D environment. In it, GIS data controls not only the landscape but movement through time. The temporal twin lays the foundation for reconstructing past or hypothetical events in an interactive setting.

“It feels incredibly validating,” Seabrook said. “I started this project and the StoryMap in an independent study last October. To have Esri recognize that this approach has potential has been such a boost. It’s affirming to know that this work matters.”

He attributes the recognition to the project’s unconventional approach. “Esri’s SDKs for game engines are usually used to create static, geographically accurate scenes. My project explores how GIS data for motion and real-time events can be imported and animated. This fully uses the strengths of both GIS and the game engine. It offers new ways to study fields like history and archaeology.”

Seabrook’s experience in UMD’s MSGIS program has been transformative. Originally applying for a graduate certificate with a humanities background, he discovered a passion for GIS through coursework, events and faculty support. “Dr. Jack Ma’s interest in my project and the faith he put in me as a new student was energizing,” Seabrook said. “It opened my mind to opportunities I hadn’t considered. I’m now pursuing the full master’s track.”

MSGIS Program Director Jack Ma, who nominated Seabrook, spoke highly of his creativity and technical skills. “Peter has a curious mind and always wants to learn new things. He enjoys exploring new GIS software products and ideas. His project is on the cutting edge of geospatial technology,” Ma said. “He exemplifies the innovative thinking and dedication we value in our students.”

As UMD’s EIP Student of the Year, Seabrook will receive a $500 cash prize, an Esri Press eBook and a certificate of recognition. He will also be considered for the global EIP Student of the Year award, which honors one standout student across all participating institutions.

For Seabrook, the award reflects the support, mentorship and collaboration he has experienced at UMD. “It’s been wonderful to meet fellow students, see their ideas and apply what I’ve learned in real projects,” he said. “I encourage students to seek opportunities across campus to apply GIS—it’s the best way to deepen your skills and explore new directions.”

StoryMap of the project

Photo courtesy of Peter Seabrook

Published on Mon, 04/06/2026 - 12:22