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Center for Geospatial Analytics

Mapping a Dynamic Planet

We use data from state-of-the-art sensors on near-surface, underwater, airborne and satellite platforms to map and monitor our dynamic planet from local to global scales. We develop cutting-edge analytic and computational approaches to apply these big data in real-world problem-solving.

data are collected worldwide by satellites, airborne sensors, smart devices, microphones, cameras, wearables

Perspectives on Place

Our faculty and researchers collect data all over the world and via myriad sources––from wearable sensors that track physical activity to underwater microphones that measure soundscapes, streaming webcams that record traffic patterns, drones that produce rapid updates about land-forms and crop fields, satellites that document deforestation, urbanization and changing weather…and more. They also tap into vast sources of existing big data to discover previously hidden connections.

We use the latest analytical techniques to combine, process and interpret these data, and we create new knowledge about pressing issues and reveal new insights into interconnected systems.

Learn more about the interdisciplinary researchers mapping our dynamic planet:

Faculty at the Frontier 

UAS Research and Education

Unmanned Aerial Systems are revolutionizing data collection in the geospatial sciences. We innovate the use of drones and drone-acquired data to address challenges in a variety of sectors, uniting expertise across disciplines.

Explore our research and learn with us 
Justyna Jeziorska interacts with UAS data on a touchscreen

Workshops and trainings

UAS Operations & Analytics Workshop

Our popular three-day professional development workshop is held twice a year at NC State and covers everything from UAS operation basics to advanced imagery processing.

Learn more 

Customized UAS Training

Unable to attend a scheduled workshop at NC State? We can come to you: choose a three-day workshop, one-day training or half-day imagery processing crash course for your location.

Contact Justyna Jeziorska 

MAPPING a dynamic planet NEWS

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Shannon McAvoy stands in front of an NC State University sign

Collaborators Wanted for Community Science Project Led by Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. Student

As an AGU Thriving Earth Exchange Fellow, Shannon McAvoy is partnering with a community science project to conduct a Quality of Life Assessment. She is now recruiting volunteers with experience in economic development planning. 
gordon-chaffin - Center for Geospatial Analytics at NC State University

Study: People Are Most Physically Active When Their Environments are Both Highly Walkable and Very Green

New research used wearable sensors and satellite data to identify how a person’s environment affects their level of daily exercise. 
wind turbines in a row line a dirt road against a blue sky with white clouds

Leveraging GIS Know-How for Custom Problem-Solving

During the Spring 2022 semester, our graduating professional master’s students worked with industry, government and nonprofit partners to apply their knowledge and skills to pressing geospatial challenges. 
green vineyard being inspected for pests

New USDA-Funded Research Will Leverage Big Data and Machine Learning to Forecast Spread of Agricultural Pests

New research led by Center director Ross Meentemeyer and research scholar Chris Jones will address data gaps that have previously hindered the accuracy of, and rapid updates to, pest spread forecasts. 
Aerial of forests in Great Smoky Mountains - Center for Geospatial Analytics at NC State University

During Droughts, Thirstier Mountain Forests Could Mean Less Water Downstream

Research led by Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. student Katie McQuillan finds increased water use by upstream mountain forests could leave less water for other forests, cities and wildlife during drought. 
Map of the United States showing predicted average flood damage risk by state or district - Center for Geospatial Analytics at NC State University

Study: U.S. Flood Damage Risk Is Underestimated

A research team led by Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. student Elyssa Collins used artificial intelligence to predict where flood damage is likely to happen in the conterminous United States, suggesting that recent flood maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency do not capture the full extent of flood risk.