^{In their third year, bachelor's students begin the academic year with a minor, which offers them the opportunity to personalise their curriculum and explore areas beyond their regular programme. Whether through internships, courses from other faculties, earning credits toward a master’s programme, or diving into subjects they never expected to interest them, the minor allows students to expand their horizons.}

^{In this blog post, Victor Toma, a third-year Data Science & Society student, talks about his choice for a minor in Geospatial Data Science. From presenting deliverables to a non-technical board to managing client expectations and collaborating within a team, Victor faced a range of challenges that turned into valuable learning opportunities. Read on to hear directly from him!}

Hello there!

Hey! I'm Victor Toma, and I come from Romania. I'm currently in my third and final year of studying Data Science & Society. My journey through this programme has been nothing short of eye-opening, and when it came time to choose a minor, I knew I wanted something that would push my boundaries even further. That’s why I chose Geospatial Data Science. I thought it would not only complement my studies but also introduce me to a different niche within the vast field of data science.

When it came time to choose a minor, I knew I wanted something that would push my boundaries even further.

Why Geospatial Data Science?

Geospatial Data Science is all about exploring the world through data. Spatial information is crucial for understanding and addressing major societal challenges. Whether it’s predicting climate change impacts or analyzing spatial inequalities in wellbeing, spatial data offers powerful insights. The University of Groningen's minor in Geospatial Data Science, which started in the academic year 2024-2025, caught my eye because it promised a multidisciplinary approach, combining spatial and computational thinking to solve real-world problems.

I chose this minor because I wanted to become a more complete data scientist. The programme offered me the chance to work on a challenge-based project that tackled real societal issues in the Northern Netherlands. Plus, it provided hands-on experience with spatial data analysis, visualization, and advanced computational tools—all of which sounded like exactly what I needed to broaden my skill set.

It provided hands-on experience with spatial data analysis, visualization, and advanced computational tools—all of which sounded like exactly what I needed to broaden my skill set.

My Project: Predicting Logistics Demand with Vredeveld

For our project, we collaborated with Vredeveld, a major bulk transport provider in the northern and eastern Netherlands. They specialize in transporting bulk and construction materials and play a critical role in supply chain optimization. Our mission was to help them predict logistics demand more accurately, particularly during their peak season.

Our approach involved bridging the gap between past performance and emerging opportunities by developing a comprehensive geospatial analysis using ArcGIS. We integrated Dutch national datasets to improve predictive capabilities, focusing on two key external factors: construction activity (from the Basic Registration of Addresses and Buildings, BAG) and workforce distribution (from the National Job Information System, LISA).

The core question driving our research was: 'How can we predict the probability of Vredeveld’s orders occurring in the Netherlands based on historical orders using Maximum Entropy modeling?'

We delivered several key outputs:

• A predictive model: This helped identify spatial trends and patterns in logistics demand using three years of order data.

• Emerging hot spot analysis (ESHA): This tool detected significant trends in construction activity based on BAG data.

• Maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling: We used this to assess spatial probabilities for future order developments by analyzing both construction and workforce data.

One funny anecdote from this project was realizing just how old-school the data management at the company was. We were expecting some level of digitization, but what we found was surprising to say the least. A lot of our time went into bringing their data into a modern format. It was both challenging and rewarding!

One funny anecdote from this project was realizing just how old-school the data management at the company was.

Reflecting on the Experience

This project was a real test of everything I’ve learned so far. My bachelor’s degree gave me the analytical mindset to tackle complex data problems using visualization, statistical methods, and machine learning models. Working with Vredeveld added a practical layer to my education—where theory meets the sometimes messy reality of real-world data.

One of the most valuable real-world lessons I learned was how to communicate possible deliverables to a board of non-technical people. The short nature of the project, combined with our clients' big expectations, meant that finding common ground between what they envisioned and what we could realistically deliver was crucial. We went through three revisions of the project, which slowed progress but provided an invaluable lesson in understanding how much time and which communication methods work best. This experience also helped me develop a better sense of how to manage expectations and ensure everyone remains aligned and satisfied with the project's direction.

One of the most valuable real-world lessons I learned was how to communicate possible deliverables to a board of non-technical people.

Key Takeaway

If I had to sum up what this experience taught me, I’d say it’s the importance of adaptability. Working with messy data, dealing with unexpected challenges, and pushing through to deliver valuable insights taught me more than any textbook ever could. I hope that by sharing my story, prospective students might see the value of stepping into unfamiliar territory. The right minor or project can truly transform your perspective and prepare you for the future. And if you’re considering Geospatial Data Science, trust me—it’s worth it!

Join the programme and be next in line for an inspiring opportunity!

Visit our BSc Data Science & Society webpage and sign up for our monthly newsletter. See you there!