RS&GIS collaborates with research faculty both within and outside of Michigan State University using geospatial concepts and methodologies to solve the problems facing our world. Our unit can serve as a principal investigator (PI), co-investigator (Co-I) or as a subcontractor on research grants. Our geospatial team maintains the expertise and infrastructure needed to complete complex tasks, including field collection solutions, geospatial data storage, advanced data processing, spatial modeling, geo-statistical analysis. Our team provides a broad range of skills, consistency and staff stability.
Our staff is capable of applying its geospatial expertise and infrastructure to a broad range of research topics, including, but not limited to:
Agricultural crop research using advanced remote sensing platforms, sensors and tools
Geospatial data fusion, including vector, raster and 3D data
Hydrologic analysis through landscape characterization
Transportation Network Analysis
Demographic analysis in support of environmental & social justice, health care and economics
Land use change, planning and mitigation
Point-source pollution modeling
Invasive species modeling and mapping
Multi-criteria suitability modeling
Online geospatial data storage, display and analysis
Geospatial outreach and education
Apple Topographic Site Planning
Tool for identifying pathways of cold air movement and cold air sinks. Data were developed using high-resolution Lidar data.
Vinifera Wine Grape Suitability
This research, which was funded by the Michigan State Horticultural Society and MSU Project GREEEN, utilized climatic and environmental variables to build map-based suitability information for most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Additionally, research investigated how suitability would change over time due to changes in climate.
Research results are provided in an online, map-based suitability tool, which is available below. This tool, while useful, is not meant to take the place of local site evaluation. Micro-climate conditions, ownership, local ordinances, market conditions and other factors not part of this project all play a part in Vinifera cultivation.
Considerable assistance was provided by research experts and vineyard operators across the State of Michigan, including here at MSU. Dr. Paolo Sabbatini (MSU Horticulture) and Dr. Jeffrey Andresen (MSU Geography) were instrumental in the success of this project as were the many MSU Extension personnel and professional vineyard managers who shared their knowledge and experiences.
