Geospatial Sciences

Geospatial Science uses information technology to understand people, places, and processes on the Earth.

The US Department of Labor has identified geospatial technologies, along with nanotechnology and biotechnology, as one of the three most important high-growth industries in the 21st century.

Examples of geospatial research, technologies and applications include:

Internet mapping
In-vehicle navigation systems and the Global Positioning System
Geographic Information Systems
Aerial and satellite imagery
Spatial analysis and modeling of social and natural processes
Visualization and data mining of complex information
Understanding relationships between society and geospatial technologies

Geospatial Science at UMN

U of M students and faculty create and study these technologies, their underlying principles, and their societal ramifications. U of M has long been home to geospatial research and learning.

Many departments develop and teach geospatial technologies, see our people page for the range of expertise.
U of M has many centers that research and use GIS and other geospatial techniques, see our research page for details.

Browse this site to learn more about the people doing geospatial research on campus, curricula at the U of M, facilities, and other resources such as labs and research projects.