Center for Spatial Analysis and Mapping

The Center for Spatial Analysis and Mapping is an instructional and research center that uses geographic information systems (GIS) technology.

Administered through the Department of Geography and the Institute of Applied Sciences, CSAM uses state-of-the-art computer software for managing information tied to geographic location.

Using multiple layers of digital information, such as soil type, land ownership, rainfall, pesticide use, transportation lines and census data, CSAM conducts analyses in such areas as water pollution, disease distribution, resource management and business locations.

The center works with federal, state and local resource managers describing agricultural activities, pollution threats, real estate locations and emergency response. It maintains numerous geographic databases for research by faculty and students and also has close ties with a network of GIS departments in municipalities, government agencies, universities and community colleges, and businesses.

Many area GIS professionals are UNT alumni, providing the basis for a strong student internship program.

The center has played an active role as a GIS training center for governmental agencies and businesses, presenting short courses to individuals from such organizations as Texas Parks and Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and area universities and municipalities.

In 1996, Bruce Hunter, director of the center, received the Founders Award from the South Central Arc Users Group, a five-state regional association.

For more information about the center, contact Hunter via e-mail at hunter@unt.edu, or visit the center's web site at www.ias.unt.edu/departments/csam.html.

BY CATHY CASHIO ccashio@unt.edu

Other web resources

• Center for Spatial Analysis and Mapping

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