I became fascinated by geography when studying abroad in the Netherlands as an undergrad. There, at Wageningen University, I learned how to use maps to promote sustainable agriculture. Since then, I have continued to apply maps and geographic information science to enable science-based decision-making and communication.

When I am not in EnGeo, you can find me playing volleyball, video games, and guitar. I also enjoy taking care of my indoor plants and making my favorite restaurant dishes in the kitchen in my quest to become a 'pro home cook'.

• Ph.D., Geography, Pennsylvania State University
• M.S., Geography, Pennsylvania State University
• B.S., Honors Cartography and GIS

I'm a geographer specializing in cartography and geographic information science (GIS). My affinity towards mapmaking comes from the endless applications of maps and GIS. Virtually every domain — governance, commerce, security, public health, and more — has inherently spatial processes. Maps and GIS are powerful tools that can help institutions and individuals respond to, and ideally predict, change in numerous contexts.

I seek to maximize the good that maps can do in society by studying the interplay between psychology and design to understand how people can make sense of geographic information. More specifically, my research centers on interactive map design, data storytelling, and trust in maps. I have focused this work on media studies and environmental science domains. My current research bridges my work on trust with my passion for enhancing the user experience of interactive mapping tools.

I also established the JMU Map Lab in 2025 with the vision of engaging students in real-world mapping projects that respond to the needs of Harrisonburg, the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.

• Prestby, T.J., Jang, E., Pacheco, A. (2026). Seeing Isn't Always Believing: The Effects of Misinformation Modality and Debunking on Message Credibility and Memory Recall. International Journal of Cartography, 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/23729333.2026.2655716
• Prestby, T.J. Greatrex, H. (2026). The Impact of Data Reliability and Semantic Color Congruence on Trusting and Reading Visualizations. Information Visualization, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/14738716251398423
• Prestby, T.J. (2024). Measuring Trust in Maps: development and evaluation of the MAPTRUST scale. International Journal of Geographic Information Science. https://doi.org/10.1080/13658816.2024.2370076
• Prestby, T.J. (2023). Trust in maps: what we know and need to know. Cartography and Geographic Information Science. https://doi.org/10.1080/15230406.2023.2281306
• Prestby, T.J., Robinson, A.C., McLaughlin, D., Dudas, P.M., & Grozinger, C.M. (2023). Characterizing user needs for Beescape: A spatial decision support tool focused on pollinator health. Journal of Environmental Management, 325, 116416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116416
• Prestby, T. (2022). Design Techniques for COVID-19 Story Maps: A Quantitative Content Analysis. Cartography and Geographic Information Science, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1080/15230406.2022.2102077
• Prestby, T., App, J., Kang, Y., & Gao, S. (2020). Understanding neighborhood isolation through spatial interaction network analysis using location big data. Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space, 52(6), 1027-1031. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308518X19891911