Chris DiDio knows from experience that more than one path can lead to success.

DiDio, a geographical information system analyst, knew coming out of high school that he wanted to get into cartography. So he decided to skip secondary education.

"I must be one of the few people here who doesn't have a college degree," he said. "I thought it would be an uphill battle without it and I'm sure it's hindered me in some ways, but I haven't noticed anything significant."

DiDio took several college courses in cartography before getting a job with Southern California Edison and working his way into its mapping department. After a year and a half though, he moved his family north, and now lives in Woodland.

DiDio learned about the mapping system known as GIS, while working as an environmental consultant in Sacramento. GIS is a computer system that allows for the storage and analysis of spatial information. The technology can be used for cartography, environmental impact assessment and development planning, among other things.

As DiDio describes it, the mapping system is a large database that holds a wealth of information about geographic locations — such as the year a building was constructed and its square footage.

DiDio came to campus four years ago. He has spent parts of the last six months working on a large-scale, detailed campus map that is now available to campus visitors. His current projects include a database of all bicycle parking on campus, a "green map" that will chart the campus's natural and cultural environment and highlight green resources, and a map for the Central Campus Planning Guide.

DiDio said he is glad he made the move from the private sector to the university.

"The campus atmosphere is a great dynamic and it keeps me young," he said. "I'm a 45-year-old man with a 20-year-old mind."

When not on the job, DiDio spends much of his time with his family. He is newly remarried and his 19-year-old daughter just moved back home to attend cosmetology school in Sacramento.

DiDio also plays golf and enjoys fly fishing. Every year, he and his family head to Idaho to fish the Snake River with a few of his friends from high school and their families.

He also collects movies and has a "vast collection" of DVDs of all genres. Among his favorites is the classic The Sound of Music.

"I'm more into musicals than the shoot 'em ups," he said.

What's something surprising about you?

I have a very large collection of chick flicks. I'm a sucker for a good love story. When Harry Met Sally is a great one, and Jerry Maguire.

If you weren't in this profession, what would you do?

Fisheries biologist would be cool. I chose a career that's more indoor-driven, but I do respect outdoor-driven professions.

What's your most treasured possession?

My family. I'm not too big on "stuff." It's fun to have but I feel that it's very temporary.

What's your philosophy?

I work to live. I work to support my personal life — I won't let my career take over my personal life.

What's your claim to fame?

Cameron Diaz used to baby-sit my daughter when we lived in Long Beach. I've known her since she was 11. One time I was standing in line to go golfing in Long Beach and I met this guy who turned out to be her father, and we got to be pretty good friends over the years. I have a picture of Cameron carving the turkey at Thanksgiving a couple of years ago.

Do you have a favorite spot on campus?

I like walking along the Putah Creek Reserve. I enjoy the wildlife and the lack of concrete.