About EZDataMD, LLC
EZDataMD LLC formed in early 2020 to advance tech transfer of geomatics research conducted at Oregon State University (OSU) and focuses on custom software, workflows, and analysis solutions for lidar point cloud data. EZDataMD consists of two primary technical staff members who combined have over 25 years of experience with lidar technology. The team has developed several novel algorithms for efficient point cloud segmentation and classification (object recognition) for asset management, pavement crack mapping, road marking extraction and evaluation, and rockfall hazard analysis.
Michael Olsen, PhD, CEO
Dr. Olsen has over 15 years of experience working with lidar and other geospatial technology for a wide range of applications such as transportation asset management, construction, geohazards, and cultural heritage. He holds a PhD in Structural Engineering from the University of California, San Diego and B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Utah. Beyond his role at EZDataMD, he is currently a Professor of Geomatics in the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at OSU, an Associate Editor of the ASCE Journal of Surveying Engineering, President of the Surveying and Geomatics Educators Society, Technical Director of the NSF Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure Rapid Facility, and Director of the Cascadia Lifelines Program. He has served as the PI for over 30 research projects for funding agencies such as NSF, NCHRP, Oregon DOT, PacTrans, and OTREC. As PI, he ensures successful completion of tasks such as workplan development, experimental design, field data collection, algorithm development, technical presentations, training, and publication of high-quality research results. Many of those projects were collaborative with researchers and stakeholders who were geographically dispersed. Dr. Olsen has published over 100 peer-review journal or conference papers, delivered over 100 presentations and seminars, and taught and/or organized dozens of workshops or short courses on geospatial technologies including lidar and UAS photogrammetry. Specifically, he has assisted with the development of workshops, webinars, tech briefs and other materials for several FHWA Every Day Counts Initiatives to support a diverse audience. At OSU he teaches courses in 3D laser scanning, highway location and design, GIS, and digital terrain modeling. He also regularly participates in outreach activities to promote careers in geomatics to diverse audiences through activities such as the Willamette Valley Promise Teacher Externship, Academy of Lifelong Learning, Summer Experiences in Science and Engineering for Youth, Geo-girls, and many other programs.
Ezra Che, PhD, CTO
Dr. Che holds a PhD in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Geomatics from OSU, and B.S. and M.S. degrees in Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing from Wuhan University, China. For the last 10 years, he has been developing novel algorithms for geospatial data processing to support a wide range of applications, especially efficient point cloud data processing. He is a co-founder of EZDataMD and leads in research and development. Beyond his role at EZDataMD, he is also currently an Assistant Professor (Senior Research) in Geomatics at OSU. He has published over 20 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, is serving as an Associate Editor of IEEE Journal of Selected Topic in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing (JSTARS), an Editorial Board Member of the Photogrammetric Record, and a member in the ASPRS LAS Working Group. Dr. Che received the OSU Innovation Day Award in 2019, the 3D GeoInfo Martin Isenburg Best Paper Award in 2021 and Geo Week Outstanding University Achievement in Lidar in 2022.
Kristen Olsen, CFO
Jaehoon Jung, PhD (Emeritus)
Dr. Jung was a co-founder of EZDataMD and served as a co-CTO working on algorithm and software development. Dr. Jung recently started a new position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urban Engineering, Gyeongsang National University. However, although not formally a member of EZDataMD, Dr. Jung continues to partner with us on developing point cloud processing solutions.