Geotechnology is identified by the US Department of Labor as one of the three most important emerging and evolving fields,  and scientists who can combine geographic information systems with satellite data are in demand in a variety of disciplines (Nature 427, 376-377). Job opportunities are growing and diversifying as geospatial technologies prove their value in more areas.

The Center for GIS (Center for Geographic Information Analysis and Modeling) serves as a synergetic avenue for the pursuit of excellence in research, education, and services in geographic information technologies.

• Research at the center focuses on theoretical and applied research in the areas of GIS, remote sensing (RS), hydrological modeling, and etc. In that spatial information technology enables work across disciplinary lines, the center especially focuses on encouraging multi-disciplinary research.

• In education, the center supports formal educational activities through relevant courses towards degrees (BA, BS, MA, PhD) and GIS certificates. We also offer continual education through professional workshops, seminars, and other training sessions in GIS.

• For services, the center functions as a key resource for business, industry, government, social services, with responsiveness to local, regional, and international problems