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GIS are computer-based tools that facilitate analysis of geospatial data. Specializing in GIS means students learn to build these systems and how to apply GIS in land suitability modeling, risk assessment, decision support, conversation planning, landscape ecology and other areas. |
Geospatial Information Program
The Geospatial Information program area in the UNL School of Natural Resources offers teaching, research and outreach in a wide array of advanced geographic information technologies. These land-, air- and water-analysis tools can be applied to a host of environmental, natural resources, agricultural, urban, demographic and infrastructure issues. It does so largely through the following areas:
- Remote sensing – using satellite and aerial imagery to collect information about land, water, atmospheric and biological systems;
- Geographic information systems (GIS) – using computer-based tools to display, combine and analyze data on soils, water, climate, terrain, land use, wildlife and human populations, for example. These may be obtained from a variety of remote sensing, map-based, field-data, demographic or statistical sources, among others;
- Geospatial analysis – using spatial statistics to understand patterns and processes in the landscape;
- Global positioning systems (GPS) – using satellites to determine exact position on the globe; and
- Simulation modeling – using powerful computers to create models of ecological processes and forecasts.
Geospatial information programs include research and development, training and education, technology transfer, and consulting and technical assistance for public and private organizations and businesses. The program provides instruction through undergraduate and graduate courses in remote sensing, GIS and automated cartography, as well as short courses for the public.
Students specializing in geospatial information learn how to use these high-technology tools for application in land suitability modeling, risk assessment, decision support, conservation planning, landscape ecology and other areas. They have access to the most up-to-date hardware and software for geospatial data processing, including the ArcGIS suite and, for remote sensing, ERDAS’s Imagine and RSI’s ENVI. Instruction and research in geospatial information is carried out in collaboration with the Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies (CALMIT).
Participating Faculty
