GIScience Research, Services, and Outreach
Established in 1990 as a multidisciplinary center supporting spatial research, education, and outreach activities at Kansas State University, the Geographic Information Systems Spatial Analysis Laboratory (GISSAL) specializes in the design of geographic databases for biophysical and social/cultural data, construction of spatiotemporal models and geoprocessing tools, provides cartographic support and advanced 2D/3D visualization capabilities for map communication and exploratory data analysis, and develops Web-based interactive maps and GIS services for scientific audiences and stakeholder groups. The laboratory features a modern computing infrastructure, access to state-of-the-art data visualization tools, and maintains licenses for the most powerful GIS, satellite remote sensing, digital mapping, database, and statistical analysis software packages.
GISSAL has been recognized as a National Center of Digitizing Excellence by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and key contributor to the 2005 ESRI Special Achievement in GIS Award for Agriculture awarded to Kansas State University. Although primarily a research unit, GISSAL also offers contract services including GIS database design and construction, digital cartographic support and production, web-servable maps, distributed geographic information services, and customized GIS workshops and software training.
Pursue a Career in GIS
Geographic Information Science (GIScience) is the field that underpins the wise use of geospatial technologies and methods, including geographic information systems (GIS), acquisition and analysis of remotely-sensed imagery, cartography and mapping, and quantitative spatial analysis and modelling. Collectively, this knowledge and skills area is referred to as Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS&T).
Graduates with expertise in GIS&T enjoy excellent employment opportunities with both private companies and government agencies in a variety of career fields including consumer navigation technology, engineering consulting, environment and natural resources, disaster management, land surveying, transportation, geospatial intelligence, agriculture and biosecurity, socioeconomic analysis, business planning, public health and healthcare, and urban planning and design.
More Information
Major in Geographic Information Science & Technology at K-State
GISSAL in the News
Doctoral Student Receives American Geographical Society Awards Council Fellowship
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science and Technology to Begin in Fall
U.S. News and World Report Names "Geographer" as 9th Best Science Job for 2019
