Fall 2023 Newsletter

Don’t miss the upcoming I-GUIDE Symposium on Geospatial Data Science for Sustainability at the 2024 AAG conference! By focusing on innovative cyberGIS and geospatial data science approaches, the symposium will address pressing sustainability challenges such as aging infrastructure, biodiversity loss, and food and water insecurity.

The event will feature paper and panel sessions as well as workshops exploring topics such as cyberGIS advancements, geospatial artificial intelligence, high-performance computing for geographic problem-solving, multiscale mapping and analysis, and the role of geospatial data science in promoting resilience and sustainability among others.

The UCGIS I-GUIDE Community Champions program is a unique opportunity for mid- to late-career scholars and educators passionate about geospatial data science and education. Community Champion cohort members support the expansion and community reach of I-GUIDE’s initiatives, fostering innovation in the field of geospatial convergence science in the process.

Champions work on small-scale projects aligned with the program’s annual theme which this year focuses on refining and applying the I-GUIDE Convergence Curriculum for Geospatial Data Science. Projects can include creating educational materials, case studies, online workshops, interactive modules, community engagement, and more. Champions receive recognition for their contributions and a $3,000 honorarium.

The program offers a chance to make a significant impact on geospatial data science education while collaborating with a diverse and passionate community. Applications are welcomed from individuals keen on shaping the future of geospatial data education and empowering the next generation of scientists.

The devastation caused by Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, Mexico, highlights the challenges posed by rapidly intensifying storms. As climate change makes storm intensity prediction even more difficult, accurate forecasting and integrated preparation become essential to minimize harm.

The incident underscores the need for flexible and adaptable emergency response systems, improved storm intensity prediction, and coordinated efforts to effectively manage rapidly intensifying storms, such as Hurricane Otis, while addressing societal inequities and fostering science-policy integration for more relevant and useful outcomes.

OGC Innovation Days 2023 is a multi-day event uniting experts from diverse fields, including climate resilience, disaster response, and emergency management. Participants will explore the latest geospatial data and technology developments, contribute to shaping future initiatives, and engage with industry, government, research, and private sector stakeholders.

Dr. Vetria Byrd and Dr. Iman Haqiqi were recognized for their role in the I-GUIDE grant at Purdue’s Seed for Success award ceremony. This award is given to PI and Co-PIs in a sponsored grant of $1M or more. Congratulations to Iman and Vetria for their amazing contributions to the I-GUIDE endeavor!

Students, postdocs, and junior researchers are eligible to secure up to $800 in support for attending the IALE-North America Annual Meeting (April 1-5, 2024) to showcase your work on telecoupling and metacoupling in landscape ecology. Provided by the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability at the Michigan State University, with support from NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Apply by December 18, 2023. Don’t miss this chance to connect with experts and enhance your professional journey!

Each quarter, the Ascender series showcases one of the members of the I-GUIDE Climbers community. These early-career scholars share insights into their academic journeys, motivations, and aspirations. Explore the diverse stories of these Ascenders as they navigate the intersections of geospatial science, data innovation, and sustainability within the NSF I-GUIDE project.

The latest cutting-edge research and publications from the NSF I-GUIDE Team.  Click on the cards to view the full articles.

This recent paper by Dr. Jianguo “Jack” Liu introduces the metacoupling framework, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding human-nature interactions within a specific place, between adjacent areas, and globally. The framework reveals the intricate interconnections shaping United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across borders and scales.

By untangling complex interactions, identifying new network attributes, and uncovering spatio-temporal dynamics, the study expands the understanding of global sustainability challenges. It also addresses key topics for future research, including the cascading effects of events in one place on others nearby and far away, offering valuable insights for advancing sustainable development and global justice.