University of Vermont

Welcome to the UVM Spatial Analysis Lab

The Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL) is a cutting-edge Geographic Information System (GIS) research facility in the Rubenstein School of Environment & Natural Resources at the University of Vermont (UVM). As the pioneer of GIS technology in Vermont, the SAL operates as a non-profit in partnership primarily with private industry, government organizations, and other non-profits, applying innovative techniques in GIS, remote sensing, and spatial statistics to solve the unique problems brought to us by these organizations. The scope of our work includes ecosystem assessments, biodiversity analysis, land-cover mapping, and conserved lands planning to scenario modeling, LiDAR processing, web-based mapping, and even transportation analysis.

The SAL has also developed a national reputation for its expertise in employing UAS technology for disaster response, agricultural assessment, archeological site mapping, aquatic resource mapping, transportation decision support, and urban planning. Notable projects have included more than 75 tree-canopy assessments in the United States and Canada, high-resolution land-cover mapping at state and regional scales, automated mapping of wetlands and other ecological features, and UAS missions for flooding events, stream-channel mapping, train derailments, and road-construction monitoring.

Throughout all of our work, we aim to train some of the most knowledgeable and technologically-adept spatial analysts in the country by providing hands-on work opportunities on real-life projects. Our students have gone on to work at global tech companies including Google, senseFly, and Uber, as well as non-profits including the Chesapeake Conservancy, and Research Institutes like Duke University Marine Lab. Many of our former student UAS pilots have established careers in the commercial drone industry throughout the United States.