MCGSC Home Message from the Chief

Message from the Chief

With nearly two years under our belt as a USGS Science Center, we have proven that our roots as 'Mappers' play a leading role in earth science research. The MCGSC continues to excel and set the standard for earth science issues affecting the Ozarks and beyond. We are developing maps of potential landform failures on karst terrain; predicting landform failures based on data created from new technology coupled with historical datasets; developing specialized models to support National-level land cover data projects; using remote sensing to map evapotranspiration in arid regions; monitoring human health and related environmental issues along the US/Mexico border as part of a multi-disciplinary team; and using remote sensing technologies to build inexpensive surrogate water-quality monitoring systems.

In recognition of our talent and drive to be the best, our reimbursable customer base has grown significantly. We now conduct research for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Park Service, the University of Missouri, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Leonard Wood Institute, The Nature Conservancy of Missouri, and several local city governments. Our employees are active in 13 professional organizations and six hold positions as officers in those organizations. Our technician workforce is the most talented in the USGS Geography Discipline, capable of surveying with current state-of-the-art equipment, validating and processing LIDAR and image datasets, conducting photo interpretations, using GIS software, and project management.

As our science is based on societal relevance, we are focusing our future research and product development on addressing the needs of society to respond to natural disasters of all types and enhance the geospatial skill-sets needed to enable emergency response. Most notably in the region is the potential hazard faced with a significant earthquake along the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The MCGSC will continue to use its unprecedented expertise in cartography, hydrology, geology, geochemistry, and engineering to supply the public with science driven maps of relevance.