Geographic Information Systems

The Center for Mapping (CFM) at The Ohio State University is a premier institute in research and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing.  CFM is an interdisciplinary research center focused on all spatial data technologies, but with special emphasis on precision data collection, computer-aided D-to-D (data-to-decision) systems, and database mining and visualization.  CFM regularly uses remote sensing, geodesy using Global Positioning System (GPS), inertial navigation system (INS), photogrammetry, image processing, computer vision, image understanding, modeling, and geographic information systems.  The Center performs problem-driven research and developmental applications in Environmental Monitoring; Spatial Analysis and GIS; City and Regional Planning; Transportation; Hydrological and Water Planning; Public Policy and Spatial Information; and Spatial Cognition.

CFM’s applied research projects yield improved, commercially viable, mapping and positioning capabilities employing the latest technologies.  One overriding tenet is to make mapping faster, cheaper, more current, and more accurate.  Of particular interest is the development of computer-aided “D-to-D” systems that provide the basis for newly integrative approaches to mapping and monitoring the earth and its environment from a multidisciplinary perspective.

CFM annually undertakes advanced technology and application development projects, totaling over one million dollars.  Since its inception in 1986, the Center has done work with US Federal Government agencies, such as U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), National Imaging and Mapping Agency (NIMA); Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); National Science Foundation (NSF); National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA); U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Air Force; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); and the U.S. Bureau of the Census; and with State agencies, such as the Ohio National Guard; Ohio Department of Transportation; Ohio Department of Natural Resources; and OhioView. 

Examples of current projects include “Support of GIS Data Development and Services to the Real Property Master Plan (RPMP)” sponsored by the Ohio National Guard ($210,000); “High-Resolution Ohio National Hydrologic Database Pilot Project” sponsored by the U.S.GS, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and ODOT ($150,000); “Quantification of Impervious Surfaces in the Eastern Corn Belt Plains Ecoregion of Ohio” sponsored by EPA ($118,000); “Generation of a Land Cover Map for the State of Ohio as part of the GAP Project” sponsored by the USGS ($275,000); “Digitalization of Coastal Management and Decision Making supported by Multi-dimensional Geo-spatial Information sponsored by the National Science Foundation ($1,100,000); “National Consortia for Remote Sensing in Transportation-Flows” sponsored by the U.S.DOT and NASA ($3,000,000).

More than 60 Ohio State University faculty with expertise in mapping support the Center’s research activities.  These faculty members represent the Departments of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Biology, City and Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Geodetic Science and Surveying, Geography, Geological Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Management and Information Sciences and Natural Resources. 

Lambdanets is currently pursuing GIS and Remote Sensing Projects in India through partnership and strategic collaboration with SNS Design Group of Hyderabad, India.

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