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High-Tech Learning
The GIScience Learning Laboratory located in Seaton 3014A is the premier GIS and remote sensing instructional facility at Kansas State University.
The Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences operates a several instructional facilities and research laboratories, including a university core facility, to support learning and discovery:
The Earth Systems Science Learning Laboratory (Seaton 1066) serves as the primary teaching facility for GEOG 122 Introduction to Physical Geography: Earth Systems Science Laboratory.
Unique Equipment:
- Emriver Em2 River Process Simulator
- Augmented Reality Sandbox
The Richard A. Marston Earth System Science Research Laboratory (Seaton 0108/0109) is a state-of-the-art research facility shared by multiple Geography and Geospatial Sciences faculty members and their graduate students. The laboratory enables a wide array of analyses on soil and sediment samples, provides equipment for fieldwork in geomorphology and soil science, and serves as a gathering place for team meetings between faculty and graduate students.
Unique Equipment:
- DJI Spark Mini-Drone
- Ground Penetrating Radar Unit
- Malvern Panalytical Mastersizer 3000 Laser Diffraction Analyzer
- Pomeroy Coring Drill
- Kayaks (2)
The Geographic Information Systems Spatial Analysis Laboratory (GISSAL) (Seaton 3014C) is a university core facility established in 1990 as an interdisciplinary center supporting geospatial research, learning, and outreach activities at Kansas State University. Although primarily a research facility, GISSAL also offers a suite of contract services to support RSCAD activities for clients both on and off campus.
Unique Equipment:
- Local server architecture supporting ArcGIS Enterprise and web application deployment
- Juniper Systems Archer Field PC with DGPS Receiver by Hemisphere (2)
- Juniper Systems Mesa Geo 3G Rugged Tablet Computer
- HP Designjet T1100ps 44 inch Large Format Plotter/Scanner
Our recently renovated GIScience Learning Laboratory (Seaton 3014A) is the primary facility for GIS and remote sensing studios and laboratory classes. Installed software packages include ArcGIS Pro, ENVI, R, Python, GitHub, NetLogo, and other advanced applications supporting geography courses. The facility is open 24/7 for students enrolled in department courses with access controlled via a keypad security code.
Unique Equipment:
- Dell Precision 5820 or 8120 Quad-Core Computer Workstations (36)
- High-Definition Video Conferencing System with Integrated Audio
- Sharp Aquos 80" LCD Monitors (2)
- Whiteboard with Integrated Touchscreen
The image processing equipment and facilities of the Remote Sensing Research Laboratory (RSRL) feature a full array of field remote sensing instruments, including a state-of-the-art portable radiometers that are supported by a number of instruments for making in-situ measurements of canopy and soil properties.
Unique Equipment:
- ASD FR Portable Spectroradiometer
- Ocean Optics USB2000 Spectrometer (2)
- Cole-Parmer 1200 Bench Spectrophotometer
- Optisciences OS1-FL Fluorometer
- X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
Allied K-State Research and Innovation Facilities
Faculty and students also work closely faculty and staff from a wide array of additional facilities, laboratories, and service centers across the K-State campus to accomplish research objectives:
The Applied Park Science Laboratory explores questions related to parks use and visitor experience, including the myriad of issues concerning parks and protected area management and increasing public understanding of the natural, cultural and recreational value of these resources.
Beocat is the High-Performance Computing (HPC) cluster at Kansas State University run by the Institute for Computational Research in Engineering and Science in the Department of Computer Science.
The Chapman Center for Rural Studies - a Center of Excellence in the College of Arts and Sciences - seeks to strengthen rural communities by fostering undergraduate research and digital scholarship while recognizing the contributions of diverse Kansas communities past, present, and future.
The Kansas State University Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics is a people-centered interdisciplinary collective transforming learning, research and outreach around digital technologies and advanced analytical methods to enhance agricultural, environmental and socioeconomic decision-making.
The Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment (KCARE) coordinates and enhances research, extension, and teaching activities that focus on environmental issues relating to agriculture. KCARE supports research spanning multiple departments and disciplines including soil science, smoke management, cropping systems, water quality and irrigation, fertilizer research, and climate studies.
The Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit contributes to understanding and managing ecological systems within the Great Plains. Unit staff, collaborators, and graduate students research natural and altered systems, particularly working landscapes.
The Kansas Water Institute develops and supports research on high-priority water resource problems and objectives identified through the state water plan. Additionally, the institute facilitates effective communication between water resource professionals and helps disseminate and apply research results.
Konza Prairie Biological Station (KPBS) is a native tallgrass prairie preserve jointly owned by The Nature Conservancy and Kansas State University. KPBS is operated as a field research station by the KSU Division of Biology and hosts several major research initiatives, including the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research program.
The National Agricultural Biosecurity Center (NABC) contributes to and accesses a vast network of interdisciplinary research and resources in areas such as animal diseases, foodborne pathogens, plant infectious agents, emergency management, and environmental systems changes impacting agriculture, food, and One Health.
Located on the 1st and 2nd floors of Hale Library, the Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab offers all K-Stater's the opportunity to use the latest in innovative technologies including a media studio, video production studio, maker space, 3D printing and laser cutting, AI stuido, and Liquid Galaxy multi-panel display.