About Us

 

PolicyMap

For those of you who've wished for an easier way to incorporate the power of data into the decisions you make, this is it. PolicyMap is a fully web-based Geographic Information System. It's fast, efficient and captures data in visually powerful ways through custom demographic maps, tables, reports and our analysis tool, Analytics. You can even use our GIS mapping services to easily incorporate your own data and leverage it against the thousands of indicators already available in PolicyMap. Available data includes demographics, home sale statistics, health data, mortgage trends, school performance scores and labor data like unemployment, crime statistics and city crime rates. A complete list of data available can be found in our data directory.

For those of you who don't know us, The Reinvestment Fund (TRF) is a nonprofit community development financial institution that works across the Mid-Atlantic. We've spent the last twenty years financing affordable housing, schools, businesses, supermarkets and other projects that build wealth and opportunity for the people and places that need it the most. And for us, having information about the places in which we invest is a necessity. It's why we built PolicyMap in the first place. Knowledge is power and data should drive the place-based decisions we all make.

Our team uses cutting edge technology that allows us to display highly sophisticated, fast and draggable maps in ordinary Web browsers. We call this technology and our platform "PMap". The ability to dynamically render and customize thousands of shaded maps to analyze data sets this technology apart, making it especially suited to interactive research and data analysis. TRF has partnered with 3D-L, a progressive technology company with expertise in presenting dynamic geographic data in a web-based format. The team at 3D-L supports PolicyMap's day-to-day infrastructure and develops the new tools and functionality as we continue to enhance the site.

We've tried to make much of what is in PolicyMap available to the public for free, but also offer subscription options if you are interested in accessing more GIS software features and proprietary data. Subscription packages are available for multi-users as are institutional licenses for libraries.

PolicyMap also provides you with interactive map tools for free such as our embed map, or you can use the platform as the basis for data mapping on your website through our widgets and Data API.

You can read more in our downloadable brochure or just call us at 1-866-923-MAPS (6277) to learn more about how our platform can be used to bring interactive demographic mapping to your website.

Jump in and start exploring. Tell us what you like. What needs improvement? We'd love to hear from you. Together, we can unleash the power of data.

Meet the team at TRF and 3D-L, Inc.

Maggie McCullough, Director
Maggie's interest in the web started in the '90s where she was part of the team creating the Department of Housing and Urban Development's first web presence. That experience, combined with her work in the Office of Management and Budget, in the Pennsylvania Governor's Office, and with the City of Philadelphia fueled her passion for making information easy-to-understand whether in a written report or analysis – or on the web in PolicyMap. Maggie joined TRF in 2004, conducting housing-related research and analysis for several of its public sector and foundation clients. Maggie has a degree in Economics from St. Joseph's University and a Master's in Governmental Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. When she is not working with the PolicyMap team in Philadelphia or with the developers at 3d-L in Los Angeles, she is at home in West Philadelphia with her husband, kids and dog.
Bernie Langer, Associate
Bernie's love of maps began in 4th grade when he wrapped his math textbook in a AAA road map of Philadelphia. Since then, he's received a degree in economics from Vassar College, where he was also heavily involved in the Urban Studies department. He's worked as a reporter at various news outlets, including WHYY-FM News in Philadelphia, the Poughkeepsie Journal, and EARTH Magazine. At PolicyMap, he's returned to his 4th grade roots, exploring the country from his desk, gathering and reviewing data for the website.
Elizabeth Nash, Associate Director
As Associate Director, Elizabeth is responsible for all the data that goes into PolicyMap. In addition to researching new datasets, her work includes maintaining current data, validating data through geospatial analysis and working with clients to ensure data and report integrity. Elizabeth combines a strong understanding of statistical methods with an expertise in demographic data, mathematics, and GIS analysis. Elizabeth joined TRF in 2007 and was instrumental in developing the underlying data and designing the functionality of PolicyMap. She holds a Bachelor's in History with a Minor in Mathematics from Bryn Mawr College and a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning from Rutgers University.
Katie Nelson, Senior Associate
Katie Nelson is Senior Associate and is responsible for updating and expanding the data warehouse underpinning PolicyMap. She also works directly with clients to process and load their primary data. Originally introduced to TRF as an intern working with TRF Development Partners, Katie's experience fueled her fascination with data and mapping, particularly the role spatial analysis can play in decision-making and strategic planning. Katie holds a Masters in City & Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and an undergraduate degree from Macalester College. Katie previously worked at the Democracy Collaborative at the University of Maryland. She also taught English for a year in Bangkok, Thailand.
Phil Vu, Technical and Customer Service Associate
If you have ever called PolicyMap, chances are you have talked to Phil. Phil joined PolicyMap in 2008 and leads Customer Service and Technical Assistance. In this capacity, he helps manage product development, testing, and training. He is also responsible for PolicyMap's social media marketing and outreach. Phil previously worked as project manager for ASItransact, where he turned a startup program into a successful tool for the Advertising Specialty Institute industry. Phil has a degree in Architectural Design and Computer Application Development from the University of Oregon and is a certified MCAS and CCNP.

3D-L

Craig Henderson, President
Craig has nearly 20 years of experience leading software initiatives in a variety of settings. He spent the beginning of his career in the e-learning space, where he led or collaborated on the design and development of pioneering applications for several Fortune 500 companies. He was Vice President of Strategy for industry leader IEC and its successor organization, Quisic, before becoming an independent consultant. During that time, he worked with Placebase and eventually joined the company as its Director of Client Services and now is President of 3D-L. He holds a B.A. from U.C. Berkeley and an M.A. from the University of Southern California.
Daniel Ceregatti, Lead Engineer
Over the last 15 years, Daniel has managed teams deploying a range of systems and software—from basic web services to large-scale web hosting with load-balanced clusters, database replication and redundant upstream links. In 2006, he implemented the LAPD's acclaimed crime-mapping solution, which spurred him to focus professionally on web-based GIS applications. Daniel is also an active participant in open source software communities. He has contributed directly to the development of the PostgreSQL database and the PHP scripting language, both of which are integral to 3D-L's work. As the company's Lead Developer, he wears many hats, moving fluidly from programming to database administrator to network troubleshooter. Originally from Brazil, Daniel is fluent in Portuguese and an avid soccer fan.
Almog Ben-David, Developer
An early team member at Placebase, the mapping startup and predecessor to 3D-L, Almog contributed to developing and fine-tuning the company's API and worked directly with clients in their implementations. With 3D-L, he continues this role and is the lead front end/JavaScript developer on PolicyMap. Almog is passionate about music and has been employed as a musician and an audio editor. Working with maps all day has also enhanced his love of travel, and in the last year he has ventured to points across North America and Asia.
Kevin McKernan, Developer
Ever since he began programming on his Atari as a kid, Kevin has had a love of computers. After searching widely to find an application that excited him, he found a home at 3D-L, where he works passionately on PolicyMap and indulges a long-time interest in maps and demographics. He has developed and enhanced a wide range of back-end features of the application. An experienced and enthusiastic user of open-source software, Kevin holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.
Robert Lobo, Developer
As part of 3D-L's development team, Robert's role includes map rendering, loading data and boundaries, overseeing the database and other system administration tasks. Robert joined 3D-L as a former Placebase staffer, excited about the opportunities for PolicyMap. A liberal arts graduate of U.C. Santa Cruz, he has found a home in the technology space and thoroughly embraced the open source world of Linux and Postgres. When not cycling around town, he typically has his nose stuck in a book. Robert is hoping to someday see bike routes in PolicyMap—the result of both his love for his native City of Angels and his dislike of driving.

National Crime:

City Crime:

Housing Maps:

Demographic Maps: