GIS, Geoinformatics, and Remote Sensing
Earth-observing instruments generate streams of data about the past, present, and potentially future conditions of our dynamic planet. Computer simulations and interpretations of these data streams are essential for reliable assessments of land use planning, natural resources, and natural hazards. GIS, geoinformatics, and remote sensing investigations span the globe from geospatial assessments of Black Hills aquifer vulnerabilities, to InSAR-observed aquifer depletion and subsidence in Nevada, to prospecting for minerals in Namibia with remote sensing. Students have access to industry-standard software, including ArcGIS, Avizio, IDL/ENVI, MATLAB, and ROI_Pac. Students can benefit from networking connections with USGS scientists and facilities.
Applications
- Close-range photogrammetry for documentation of fossil resources
- Geospatial and geostatistical analysis of datasets
- Ground-based LiDAR data acquisition and processing
- Ground surface deformation using InSAR
- Mineral distribution derived from airborne, space borne, and field-based spectrometers
- Remote sensing and field spectroscopy in geology
- Spatial analysis of sedimentological, geochemical, and paleontological data
Geoinformatics
- Trace D and LEPR databases of Interdisciplinary Earth Data Alliance (IEDA)
Faculty
- Edward Duke
Petrology, Infrared spectroscopy, Remote sensing - Kurt Katzenstein
InSAR, Geohazards, Geomechanics
- Maribeth Price
GIS, Geospatial, Close-range photogrammetry - Larry Stetler
Geological engineering, Site characterization, 3D imaging - Gokce Ustunisik
Igneous petrology and Leader for Trace D and LEPR - Nuri Uzunlar
Field geology, Energy resources (petroleum and geothermal), Economic geology