Professional Summary
Charles Altendorf, M.S., is a Senior GIS Specialist with Kentucky American Water and a geospatial professional with more than a decade of experience in geographic information systems, utility mapping, digital asset management, and geospatial analysis. He specializes in the development and maintenance of enterprise GIS solutions supporting water and wastewater infrastructure, utilizing technologies including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, AutoCAD, QGIS, and GPS data collection systems. A high school graduate from Florence, Kentucky, Charles has built his career throughout Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati region, working with utilities, local governments, engineering firms, and transportation agencies to improve infrastructure management and support critical community services.
His experience includes managing digital mapping records, implementing open-source GIS solutions, training staff and contractors, and supporting field data collection initiatives. While at Hardin County Water District No. 1, he helped lead a GIS modernization effort that earned both a Kentucky Association of Mapping Professionals (KAMP) Exemplary Systems Award and a URISA ESIG Certificate of Achievement
Charles is actively involved in the geospatial profession and served as President of the Kentucky Association of Mapping Professionals (KAMP), following previous service as a board member. He is passionate about professional development, mentoring emerging GIS professionals, and advancing the application of geospatial technologies within the utility industry
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography along with a Master of Science in Digital Mapping from the University of Kentucky's New Maps Plus program. He also earned a certificate in QGIS for Hydrological Applications from the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education.
Publications
Electronic Journal
Charles Altendorf (05-04-2019) A Case Study on Converting a Geodatabase From ArcGIS for Use in QGIS .Geography Realm,
Presentations
Invited Presentations
Charles Altendorf (09-06-2017. ) Using AutoCAD and ArcGIS to Digitize Fiber Mapping .Galt House, Louisville, Kentucky. Conference. . Level:State
Charles Altendorf (10-24-2018. ) Where Do Articles in My Facebook Feed Come From .Sloane Convention Center, Bowling Green, Kentucky. Conference. . Level:State
Charles Altendorf (2021. ) Using AutoCAD and ArcGIS to Digitize Fiber Mapping .Univeristy of Libson, Virtual. Conference. . Level:International
Charles Altendorf (10-09-2024. ) Kentucky Association of Mapping Professionals President's Address .Crowne Plaza Airport, Louisville, Kentucky. Conference. . Level:State
Charles Altendorf (11-20-2024. ) GIS Day Keynote .Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Kentucky. Conference. . Level:State
Charles Altendorf (09-24-2025. ) DAB PHASE 2 .Hilton, Florence, Kentucky. Conference. . Level:State
Charles Altendorf (10-17-2025. ) Cincinnati's Riverfront Renaissance .Galt House, Louisville, Kentucky. Conference. . Level:National
Colloquium
Charles (04-05-2026). Kentucky American Water Digital As-Built Phase 2 . DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY & GIS SPRING 2026 COLLOQUIUM SERIES, 325 Braunstein Hall, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH. UC. Level:University