Mapping Purpose: The Inspiring Story of Tia Morita

Greetings and welcome to our deep dive into Tia Morita, a dedicated professional in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) whose work continues to shape Los Angeles from behind the scenes. While many recognize her last name from the legendary Hollywood actor Pat Morita, Tia Morita has made a distinct and profound mark in the field of public infrastructure and spatial data management. Her life reflects a story of quiet impact, technological brilliance, and a commitment to making communities better through the power of geospatial analysis.

Let’s explore the journey of Tia Morita—from her early influences to her present-day role as a GIS Specialist for the County of Los Angeles.

Roots

Born into a family known for its cultural contributions, Tia Morita is the daughter of the late Noriyuki “Pat” Morita, famed for his iconic role as Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid series. Her mother, Yukiye Kitahara, and her sister, Aly Morita, round out a family that blends artistic talent with a spirit of purpose.

Unlike her father, who illuminated screens across America, Tia Morita’s life steered in a different direction—away from the spotlight and into the foundational work that helps cities thrive. Her Japanese-American upbringing and connection to a household rooted in perseverance, artistry, and cultural pride have clearly influenced her values and career path.

Academics

Tia Morita holds dual master’s degrees that uniquely position her at the intersection of technology and public service. She earned a Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems from the University of Redlands, a program known for producing GIS professionals who understand the complex role of spatial data in modern planning.

Not stopping there, Tia Morita also pursued a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Washington. This combination of technical and administrative education enables her to use GIS tools with a broader understanding of government operations, policy, and civic responsibility. Together, these degrees have formed a powerful platform for her meaningful career in public service.

Profession

Since 2020, Tia Morita has served as a GIS Specialist with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, particularly on the Survey Mapping and Property Management team. This role places her at the heart of managing geographic data that informs critical decisions on infrastructure across one of the nation’s most complex urban environments.

Her work ensures that public resources—from roads and flood control systems to parks and real estate—are mapped, analyzed, and maintained using precise, data-driven insights. The geographic information systems Tia Morita supports help direct multimillion-dollar projects and prevent resource waste. In a county home to more than 10 million people, her expertise matters.

Skillset

Tia Morita’s role involves much more than creating maps. She is a technical expert in spatial analysis, a skilled communicator with stakeholders, and a data strategist who understands how to turn raw information into actionable insights. By supporting public infrastructure through intelligent mapping systems, Tia Morita contributes to everything from environmental planning to emergency response logistics.

Her ability to transform complex data into easy-to-understand visual formats allows engineers, city planners, and policymakers to make informed choices. Her skillset brings clarity to large-scale planning, making her a critical part of the county’s operational success.

Experience

Before joining Los Angeles Public Works, Tia Morita built a diverse portfolio in both the private and public sectors. She served as a Principal GIS Analyst for the County’s Internal Services Department, developing and managing large-scale GIS applications used across multiple agencies. This work laid the groundwork for more integrated services and improved responsiveness at the county level.

In the private sector, Tia Morita held GIS roles at Red Bull North America and Booz Allen Hamilton, where she supported geospatial consulting and analytics. She also offered her expertise to the La Jolla Band of the Luiseño Indians, helping develop GIS systems that benefit indigenous communities—a testament to her inclusive approach to public service.

Drive

What sets Tia Morita apart is her genuine passion for GIS and how it can be used to make life better for communities. She approaches GIS not just as a technical field, but as a tool for storytelling, equity, and progress. Whether it’s managing data for road safety, improving access to clean water, or helping plan public housing, her mission is rooted in people—not just pixels.

Tia Morita often emphasizes the importance of making GIS accessible to non-specialists. She simplifies spatial data so that community leaders, citizens, and government officials can understand the implications of location-based decisions. This advocacy reflects her belief that transparency and understanding are essential for good governance.

Outreach

Beyond her day job, Tia Morita is actively involved in advancing the field of GIS. She sits on the board of Women in GIS, a nonprofit promoting inclusion, support, and leadership for women in the industry. Her involvement also includes board service with the California Geographic Information Association (CGIA), where she contributes to broader policy and educational initiatives across the state.

These efforts underline Tia Morita’s dedication to mentorship, gender equity, and the democratization of technology. Her leadership encourages future GIS professionals to pursue their goals while also challenging the field to evolve and reflect the communities it serves.

Legacy

Although Tia Morita grew up with a connection to a well-known family legacy in Hollywood, she’s forged a path based on quiet leadership, technical excellence, and civic engagement. Her late father, Pat Morita, was known for teaching life lessons through his characters, and in many ways, Tia Morita teaches by example—through her work ethic, knowledge, and public commitment.

By choosing a profession rooted in service rather than fame, Tia Morita continues to honor her family’s values while building a legacy uniquely her own.

Influence

The systems that Tia Morita helps manage impact millions of residents. From flood prevention infrastructure to safe roads and property management, her GIS work contributes to the daily functioning and long-term planning of Los Angeles County. She is a key player in ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently and that decisions are backed by data.

In a world where infrastructure is increasingly stressed by climate change, population growth, and economic shifts, the value of professionals like Tia Morita cannot be overstated. Her work ensures resilience, preparedness, and smarter development.

Vision

Looking forward, Tia Morita remains a champion of GIS innovation. As smart cities, environmental monitoring, and AI-enhanced data systems continue to grow, professionals like her will be at the forefront of integrating these tools into public service. Her voice, expertise, and vision will continue to influence how cities use data to serve people more effectively.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Tia Morita?
A: Tia Morita is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist currently working for the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works. She is also the daughter of actor Pat Morita.

Q2: What is Tia Morita known for professionally?
A: She is known for her expertise in GIS and public administration, playing a pivotal role in managing spatial data and infrastructure planning for Los Angeles County.

Q3: What is her educational background?
A: Tia Morita holds a Master’s in Geographic Information Systems from the University of Redlands and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Washington.

Q4: Has she worked outside of government roles?
A: Yes, she has held positions at Red Bull North America, Booz Allen Hamilton, and worked with the La Jolla Band of the Luiseño Indians on GIS projects.

Q5: Is Tia Morita involved in any professional organizations?
A: She is actively involved with Women in GIS and the California Geographic Information Association (CGIA), both of which promote GIS education and community engagement.

Q6: What impact has she made in Los Angeles?
A: Tia Morita’s GIS work supports the planning, execution, and evaluation of major public infrastructure, influencing how resources are allocated and services delivered to over 10 million people.

Final Thoughts

Tia Morita is a standout example of how technical knowledge, paired with a heart for service, can lead to extraordinary community impact. While she may carry a famous last name, her achievements in GIS, public works, and civic planning are entirely her own.

Through her work in Los Angeles County and her outreach in the GIS community, Tia Morita has shown that maps aren’t just about geography—they’re about people, systems, and the future. Her story reminds us that influence doesn’t always come with a spotlight; sometimes, it comes with quiet dedication, smart data, and a drive to build something better for everyone.

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