Director: Dr. Michael P. Bishop
Manager: Mr. Jeffrey A. Olsenholler

Welcome:
The Remote Sensing Applications Laboratory (RSAL) is a combined instructional and research facility located in the Department of Geography and Geology . Its primary emphasis involves education, basic and applied research, and environmental problem solving using remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and computer mapping technologies. Specifically, it provides instructional support for departmental course offerings and is heavily involved with a variety of research projects and contracts.

Computational Facilities
The laboratory is a state-of-the-art facility designed for sophisticated computer analysis of satellite digital data, GIS databases, U.S. Census TIGER files, U.S. Geological Survey DLG files, and other forms of digital data. The current configuration of the laboratory consists of numerous networked workstations, microcomputers, and input/output devices executing imaging and mapping programs. Our software compliment provides us with the ability to utilize the latest in computational science developments such as digital image processing, multidimensional geographic analysis, computer assisted cartography, scientific visualization of numeric data, artificial intelligence, and statistical analysis. These analytical capabilities provide the basis for education, problem solving, and information production. Consequently, the laboratory is involved with all aspects of data handling including initial acquisition of data, storage, management, analysis, and map product generation.

These capabilities are used by students, government agencies, private industry, and the research community. Research efforts focus on the utilization of remote sensing and GIS technology, along with emerging technologies, to analyze environmental issues and problems. Much of this work requires an interdisciplinary approach, involving the disciplines of engineering, physics, computer science, biology, as well as geography and geology. Current research projects reflect the diversity of RSAL activities.