Zongpei Tang

Zongpei Tang earned his Master’s degree in Applied Geography (GIS Track) from the University of North Texas in December 2006, studying under Dr. Pinliang Dong. His research focused on selecting optimal residential locations using fuzzy GIS modeling.

During his time at UNT, Zongpei was fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors who helped shape his academic and professional journey. Dr. Bruce Hunter provided opportunities to assist in managing the GIS and Remote Sensing Lab and participate in summer GIS research programs, strengthening his GIS foundation and problem-solving skills. Dr. Donald Lyons introduced him to urban and human geography, broadening his perspective on how geographers interpret the world. Dr. Paul Hudak encouraged him to pursue research aligned with his interests and reach his full potential. Dr. Pinliang Dong guided him in analyzing complex problems and conducting meaningful research. By the time Zongpei graduated, he was well-equipped to apply his GIS expertise to real-world challenges.

After graduating from UNT, Zongpei joined Halff Associates, a full-service engineering firm based in Richardson, Texas. Over the years, he has taken on various roles, including GIS Analyst and Project Manager. Currently, he serves as a Senior Project Manager and QA Manager in the firm’s GIS Practice. His expertise focuses on GIS spatial analysis, raster data modeling, geodatabase design and management, web mapping and application development, GIS data collection and management, professional cartography, asset management, and specialized air quality analyses, such as Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Traffic Air Quality Analysis (TAQA). He has supported many large-scale transportation projects and watershed flood risk mapping projects and has helped municipalities build enterprise GIS databases and develop web maps and applications.

Zongpei would like to share the following advice to students: stay open-minded, build strong relationships with professors and classmates to learn from them, embrace challenges to unlock your potential, and commit to lifelong learning.

Halff’s GIS team leader Sam Amoako-Atta (left) and GIS project manager Zongpei Tang (right) accepted the SAG Award from Esri president Jack Dangermond at the 2024 Esri User Conference in San Diego.