Resources

The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is a leading institution known for its excellence in both cutting-edge research and student training. With a strong commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary learning, UCSC prepares students to tackle real-world challenges while advancing knowledge across diverse fields.

The Environmental Studies (ENVS) Department at UC Santa Cruz is a leader in interdisciplinary research, combining natural science, social science, agriculture, and geospatial analysis to address complex environmental challenges. ENVS equips students with the skills to analyze and solve real-world issues in conservation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental policy.

The GISTAR program at UC Santa Cruz combines geospatial science, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing to address environmental and societal challenges. With a strong focus on applied training in GIS, drone mapping, and spatial modeling, GISTAR prepares students for careers in environmental analysis, urban planning, and geospatial technology development.

The Center for Integrated Spatial Research (CISR) at UC Santa Cruz specializes in geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and spatial modeling to tackle environmental and societal challenges. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and applied training in GIS, CISR supports innovative solutions in conservation, land-use planning, and ecological monitoring.

SJSU’s Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center (WIRC), an NSF-supported IUCRC, conducts critical wildfire research addressing the rising frequency and intensity of wildfires globally. Our interdisciplinary faculty focus on both physical and social dimensions of fire science, collaborating with industry and academic partners to innovate in prediction and observational tools for extreme fire behavior under climate change.

Established in 1991, the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at SJSU, in collaboration with Lucas College, enhances mobility through research and education, aiming for a safer, more efficient, and user-friendly transportation system. MTI’s commitment to workforce development and technology transfer fosters global connectivity and accessible transit solutions.

The Citizen Science GIS Group complemented by our innovative GeoBus project, engages the community in scientific research through GIS technology.

Smithsonian MarineGEO is a global network focused on understanding coastal marine life and its role in maintaining resilient ecosystems. It conducts long-term, biodiversity research across the world’s ocean environments, aiming to inform and improve conservation efforts and policies through groundbreaking scientific discovery.

The University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS) is a collaborative academic organization dedicated to advancing research and education in GISci.

Through funding and leadership, the National Science Foundation (NSF) empowers discovery and innovation to advance knowledge and education, ensuring America’s global competitiveness and economic growth.

NASA Ames Research Center, located in California’s Silicon Valley, is a key facility for many of NASA’s critical missions and projects. Ames excels in research and technology development in aeronautics, exploration technology and science.

The GIS and Drone Society, founded at SJSU and UCSC and now expanding across the Bay Area, is a dynamic student organization dedicated to GIS, remote sensing, drone mapping, computer vision, and machine learning. We regularly share innovative breakthroughs, club news, and events while highlighting our members’ dedication and achievements.

The American Association of Geographers (AAG) is a leading network advancing the field of geography. Through advocacy, research, and education, the AAG supports its members worldwide, promoting interdisciplinary collaborations to address social, environmental, and geographic challenges.

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) is a consortium of university-based programs offering credentials in urban and regional planning. ACSP fosters education, research, and practice in the field, aiming to enhance the global understanding and application of planning across public and private sectors.