SAINT LOUIS, MO (KMOX) - The demand for Geospatial technology and solutions continues to grow. Now Saint Louis University is announcing creation of a new Geospatial Center. The center will focus on collaboration as it uses geospatial tech to solve problems.
KMOX's Megan Lynch spoke with Vasit Sagan, Ph.D., professor of geospatial science and computer science and a former member of the National Geospatial Advisory Committee who will serve as Director of the SLU Geospatial Center and Gregory Triplett, Ph.D., the Oliver L. Parks Dean of SLU’s School of Science and Engineering, where the Center is housed.
"When people hear about geospatial, they tend to think about GPS or digital maps. That's only a small part of it," explains Triplett, "Geospatial science helps us understand where things happen, why they happen there, and how we can make better decisions."
SLU has hired new faculty in recent years to strengthen core geospatial sciences and adjacent and applied sciences.
In a statement the university points out, "SLU has forged strong partnerships with key leaders in the sector, including the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), with whom it has co-hosted the Geo-Resolution conference since 2019. SLU also provided workforce training to the government via GEOINT Training through Academic Programs."
Sagan adds that geospatial research can be leveraged to solve a multitude of societal challenges including, "how we feed the world, protect our borders, and respond to challenges."
Ness Sandoval, Ph.D., professor of sociology and anthropology and the director of public and social policy at SLU will serve as Associate Director.
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