Geospatial Science

Geospatial science is a multibillion-dollar industry, and researchers at Saint Louis University are leading the charge to turn St. Louis into a national hub for geospatial research.

Geospatial science is an interdisciplinary field that examines how location impacts a variety of complex issues, from health inequity to agriculture to national security. SLU researchers are using emerging and adaptive technology to apply geospatial insights to these issues and more.

Interdisciplinary Research

Geospatial science and technology can lead to transformative breakthroughs for humanity. This is because location touches on so many issues. One person’s health, career, education, and social life are all impacted by their location.

Environment

The research of Vasit Sagan, Ph.D., centers on the nexus of food, water and energy. He uses geospatial science to monitor climate change, food security and crop productivity. Using geospatial methods, Sagan has been able to predict the size of crop yields and track the impact of climate change across the world.

With support from the National Science Foundation, Orhun Aydin, Ph.D., is developing geospatial sensors to optimize waste management in St. Louis. These sensors are sophisticated enough to identify specific waste and measure bacterial activity inside the trash bins, which can be used to assess food degradation and prevent future food waste.

Health

SLU researchers are examining how location impacts the health of individual patients and whole communities. Both Kenan Li, Ph.D., and Enbal Shacham, Ph.D., recently conducted studies on air quality and location.

Shacham recently examined the geographic factors of air quality and its impact on pediatric asthma. By pairing location data with air quality assessments, Shacham and her colleagues found that those who lived in public housing experienced poorer air quality days and more often visited health clinics for asthma treatment. These findings can be utilized to develop effective public health interventions.

Economic Development and Social Mobility

The Sinquefield Center for Applied Economic Research (SCAER) manages a number of unique databases related to economic development and social mobility.

This data has enabled researchers such as Kenan Li, Ph.D., to conduct studies on human mobility and resilience during natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. This research gives policymakers a better understanding of how communities move during times of crisis, allowing them to create more effective emergency services and evacuation plans.

Humanities

SLU researchers and scholars are seizing on the growing geospatial opportunities in St. Louis to make new historical and cultural insights using geospatial technology. This allows them to better understand the past – the movement of goods across the globe, the migration of peoples, the progress of urbanization, and more – and the present, such as how religion is experienced in modern cities such as St. Louis.

More information on Geospatial Humanities can be found on the humanities research strengths page.

Regional Impact and Partnerships

SLU has been a catalysing force for the St. Louis geospatial ecosystem.

In 2019, the SLU Research Institute funded a new geospatial initiative at SLU, bringing together experts across departments. The project, which secured millions in grant support and strengthened regional partnerships, laid the groundwork for the Taylor Geospatial Institute (TGI), a collaboration of eight academic and research institutions with SLU serving as the coordinating institution. In 2025, TGI became a standalone nonprofit, reflecting SLU’s ability to launch and nurture bold, innovative initiatives that grow independently and continue to thrive.

SLU and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) have a partnership to collaborate on a range of geospatial projects. SLU provides the NGA with subject matter expertise and technical assistance in areas such as unmanned aircraft systems. The partnership began in 2019, following closely on the NGA’s decision to build a new $1.7 billion campus north of downtown St. Louis.

SLU and the NGA also co-sponsored several Geo-Resolution conferences. The conference brought hundreds of geospatial experts to SLU’s campus each year, providing a venue for collaboration among industry, academia, and government. The conference also featured unique opportunities for students, such as a mentoring lunch and a poster session to share their own research. Previous conference themes have examined new modeling techniques and artificial intelligence.

Workforce Development

Workforce development is central to SLU’s support of the growing geospatial ecosystem in St. Louis. SLU is one of only a handful of universities to receive the GEOINT Certificate Accreditation that acknowledges excellence in geospatial programs, allowing graduates to pursue internships and employment opportunities in the geospatial intelligence community. In addition to programs for undergraduate and graduate students, the University offers short-term courses for industry professionals through the SLU Workforce Center.

More information on geospatial courses at SLU can be found at the GeoSLU website.