Research Topic: Geospatial Science

Geospatial science combines mapping with data science. In biogeochemistry this means mapping aspects of the biological, geological, and geochemical worlds, using field techniques combined with remote sensing techniques. In our lab we are using a variety of techniques to explore the biogeochemical world: high precision GNSS techniques, satellite remote sensing, and sensing using UAVs (drones) outfitted with sensors to capture imagery, multispectral data, and lidar.

UAV Imagery

A common workflow is collecting high-resolution imagery via UAV. Images are stiched together with photogrammetry, and the composite image is analyzed using computational techniques. The image below was produced from ~1200 photographs collected over Laguna Negra, Argentina in 2019, and shows the distribution of oncoidal carbonates at the southeast edge of the lake. Analysis of these data comprised a portion of the Ph.D. project of Scott Beeler.

Lidar

Lidar is another technique that we commonly used to produce 3d pointclouds that represent the shapes of objects in space. We can use lidar to investigate all kinds of objects: forests, rock outcrops, buildings, and archaeological sites.

Johnson's Shut-Ins - August 2021

Proffit Moutain Scour - EEPS 468, December 2022

Shaw Nature Reserve - November 2021

Graham Chapel, WashU - EEPS 468, September 2023

Confluence Farm - May 2022

Cahokia Mounds - November 2021