Detailed Environmental Mapping for Resource Management
The mission of the Spatial Analysis Lab is to bridge gaps between geospatial mapping technologies, applied research, and land management needs. We develop landscape-scale ecological information through partnerships with agency personnel, research groups, and conservation organizations to support effective resource planning and decision-making. We are committed to extending specialized training, career development, and work opportunities to Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, recent graduates, and early career scientists.
Our research and projects involve scaling ground-based Earth observation data using remote sensing and modeling. A primary focus area is detailed vegetation and habitat mapping using imaging spectroscopy and airborne laser scanning. Applications include biodiversity conservation planning, plant trait and chemistry mapping, forest health monitoring, and invasive species detection.
We promote the use of geo-technologies in the state by delivering student internship and research opportunities, and partnering to develop workshops, training materials, and demonstration projects. Geospatial resources, training, and engagement opportunities and material are provided through this website.
The Spatial Analysis Lab is housed under the Broader Impacts Group at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥.
Latest News and Opportunities
- : An economic engine to develop prosperity and resilience for rural, tribal, and urban communities across Montana and Idaho.
- New paper in Ecosphere: .
- Check out this highlighting our work to date.
- with recommendations resulting from last winter's workshop on broadening the use of NASA datasets by the species distribution modeling (SDM) community.
- : benchtop spectroscopy helps rapidly identify variation within sagebrush shrubs - a tool for matching locally adapted plants to the right site.
- New paper in Ecology and Evolution: .
- Recent paper in Ecological Applications: .
See Opportunities for more.