Our Science:  Application Tools

Machine learning is potentially useful for modeling complex environmental phenomena from large data sets, but machine learning may be computationally intensive. This project considers possible computational efficiencies. . more...

High resolution maps giving the volume of vegetation more...

While technologies like satellite imagery and LIDAR have improved regional data collection, many USGS field researchers rely on sketches and manual paper map corrections. Emerging information technologies offer the potential to modernize field data collection. This project focuses on identifying opportunities for mobile computing technology in USGS research. more...

In 2003, the USGS Geography Discipline conducted a cost-benefit analysis of its new program, The National Map. The analysis team simulated the benefits to society from increased use of the improved digital spatial data provided by The National Map and weighed those benefits against the cost to develop and implement it. Several different reports and articles describe the research, modeling, and results of this cost-benefit analysis project. more...

Demographic data are commonly represented by using a choropleth map, which aggregates the data to arbitrary areal units, causing inaccuracies associated with spatial analysis and distribution. more...