The world deserves better charts and maps.
I strongly believe in the power of maps and visuals to help us understand complex problems.
In our world, we are inundated with words: documents, reports, and briefings. While words are essential, I believe that presenting information with a combination of maps, diagrams, and graphs, is often more effective.
I enjoy designing both static and interactive visualizations, and I always think about their usability. In my free time, I also enjoy reading books about design and data visualisation.
My professional journey
Geospatial Solution Designer at HELCOM
(April 2023 – present)
I am back after a three-year hiatus! My project continues the long journey of making data available for Maritime Spatial Planning in the Baltic Sea region. It will be another significant step towards the responsible and sustainable planning of the sea.
Information Specialist at Amer Sports
(January 2023 – March 2023)
I was supposed to work on improving the quality and availability of IT information, processes, and systems, but my contract ended suddenly due to a reorganization. At least I had time to read a lot and to make some low-tech infographics.
Database coordinator at the Research Centre for Ecological Change – University of Helsinki
(2020 – 2022)
I was in charge of the management of a database hosting long-term biological data. The aim of this database is to research the consequences of environmental change.
Project coordinator and GIS expert at HELCOM
(2009 – 2019)
Selected achievements: I coordinated the work to build a tool that accesses geodata through standard protocols. I co-designed a review of all maritime activities in the Baltic Sea. I coordinated the work to collect and visualize marine environmental monitoring programmes. I designed and develop a state-of-the-art map service.
Project manager at Smilehouse
(2007 – 2008)
In the GIS department (later called Karttago), I worked on different projects for clients.
Project researcher at the University of Helsinki
(2006 – 2007)
I was in charge of the design and implementation of map services at the Department of Geoinformatics.
GIS consultant at Novia
(2005 – 2006)
I worked on several GIS projects for municipalities and different companies and associations. The working language was Swedish.
Jobseeker and student
(2004 – 2005)
I studied intensively Finnish when I moved to Finland. I also attended courses at Hanken School of Economics and Aalto University.
Information Systems Manager at Orange telecommunications
(1999 – 2004)
I was responsible for the management of the Direct Access Management Information System, which housed all relevant information regarding company deployment connections. I supported sales activity and management by making reports and analyses.
Geomarketing analyst at Acxiom
(1998 – 1999)
I provided geo-demographic and micro-marketing analysis to customers in various sectors.
Geomarketing analyst at Experian
(1997 – 1998)
I analysed geo-demographic data using MOSAIC segmentation typologies. I assisted the Sales Department with customer visits and demonstrations of the Micromarketer System.
Manuel Frias 