Aaron Portanova

I'm a geospatial professional and certified remote pilot based in Massachusetts, working at the intersection of municipal engineering and drone-based mapping. By day I serve as GIS Coordinator for the Town of Braintree Engineering Department, building tools to support engineering, assessing, permitting, and infrastructure decisions.

I became interested in GIS around 2018 after graduating Wheaton College (MA) with a degree in Environmental Geoscience. In my last semester at Wheaton, I interned for the Land Preservation Society of Norton, where I used ArcGIS to develop trail maps and establish a GIS-centric web presence that I still maintain today.

In 2021, I decided to formalize my interest in GIS by pursuing a Master of Science Degree in GIS at Johns Hopkins University through their Advanced Academic Programs. Shortly after graduation I found my current job with the Town of Braintree.

Recently I've continued to hone my GIS experience and geospatial education by pursuing the Continuing Studies sUAS (Drone) Certificate Program through Bridgewater State University. This experience provided valuable background, and helped me to develop a Drone Program for Braintree Engineering. In February of 2026 I earned my Part 107 certificate through the FAA, which allows me to fly drones commercially.

Outside of GIS, I'm into swimming, fishing, and photography. I also enjoy Rubik's cubes, computers, video games, and cooking.