Geographic Information Sciences

Soil chemical and physical properties vary spatially –sometimes dramatically so within a single field. Spatial tools such as the global positioning system (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS) for storing and analyzing spatial data can help us make better decisions in agriculture, land development, and environmental protection and restoration.

In precision agriculture, farmers use GPS, GIS, yield monitors, and variable rate technology (VRT) to apply appropriate quantities of inputs in different parts of a field. Land use planners and developers use GPS and GIS to assess soil spatial variability as it affects siting of homes and on-site waste (septic) systems and protection of ground and surface waters and wetlands.

Optimal soil management and environmental protection require agricultural and natural resource managers equipped to characterize and manage soil spatial variability. We educate students, farmers, soil scientists, and other natural resource managers in geospatial applications and technologies through academic and extension programs offered in collaboration with the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

Academic courses include:

• SSC/CS/BAE440: GIS in Production Agriculture and Soil Science, and
• SSC545: Remote Sensing Applications in Soil Science and Agriculture.

Geospatial training is centered in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ GIS Education Laboratory configured with GIS software and access to spatial data and thematic geographic information. Our geospatial courses use lectures, hands-on computer training, and real case studies to enhance learning and problem-solving skills.