Introducing the I-GUIDE Insider

A new way to stay in touch with the NSF I-GUIDE Project

Empowering Tomorrow’s Geospatial Leaders at the I-GUIDE Summer School

Thirty early-career scholars engage in a week of intense, project-driven collaboration at the I-GUIDE Summer School, hosted by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).

In August 2024, Boulder, Colorado, became the epicenter of interdisciplinary innovation as the I-GUIDE Summer School brought together a diverse group of graduate students and early-career scholars at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) campus. Participants worked in teams, each led by an established researcher or geospatial professional, to tackle a series of unique projects within the scope of this year’s Summer School theme, “Leveraging AI for Environmental Sustainability,” and addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

The Summer School wasn’t just about learning – it was about innovation and creation. Project topics spanned a range of critical topics, from using AI to enhance biodiversity in urban green spaces to predicting pharmaceutical removal from wastewater. Each project was designed to address real-world issues with significant societal impacts, such as water security, sustainable development, and disaster management.

The energy in Boulder was palpable as participants collaborated, shared ideas, and pushed the boundaries of geospatial data science. The Summer School’s unique combination of cutting-edge research, practical application, and interdisciplinary collaboration made it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. The connections forged and the knowledge gained promise to drive forward not just individual careers but also the broader fields of environmental sustainability and geospatial science.

University of Illinois and Argonne National Laboratory Partner to Study how the Chicago Skyline's Impact on Climate Change

A team of researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Illinois have embarked on an important study to assess how Chicago’s skyline influences the city’s climate. As part of this initiative, atmospheric scientists have launched weather balloons to collect data on the atmospheric conditions surrounding the city’s skyscrapers, from key Chicago locations, including Humboldt Park, Woodlawn, and the Shedd Aquarium. The balloons will provide insights into the complex interactions between urban environments and climate dynamics.

This research aims to advance our understanding of how cities like Chicago impact and are impacted by climate change. The findings will contribute to the development of more refined climate resilience strategies, with an emphasis on creating equitable solutions for urban populations. The collected data will play a vital role in shaping the next generation of climate models and tools, ensuring that our cities are better prepared to meet the challenges of a changing climate.

Chicago Skyline and Climate Study in the News

Introduction to Hydroshare

September 10 · 1:00pm ET · Virtual

Join the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Sciences, Inc. (CUAHSI) for an introduction to HydroShare. This webinar will cover sharing, storing, collaborating on, and publishing data in HydroShare. We will also cover HydroShare’s integration with CUAHSI compute services and new and upcoming HydroShare functionality. This webinar is a perfect opportunity to either learn about HydroShare for the first time or to increase your familiarity with new features. Featured this time: A change to how large files are uploaded and more! There will be time after the presentation for questions and discussion.

Click Here to Register