The University of Florida's Center for Remote Sensing and Mapping (CREC) is a renowned research and development facility focused on advancing the field of remote sensing and mapping technologies. Located in Gainesville, Florida, CREC is part of the University of Florida's School of Forest Resources and Conservation and has been at the forefront of geospatial innovation for over three decades. The center's mission is to develop and apply remote sensing and mapping technologies to address a wide range of environmental, social, and economic challenges.
History and Development
Established in the 1980s, CREC has evolved from a small research unit to a state-of-the-art facility with a team of interdisciplinary researchers, engineers, and technicians. The center’s growth and development have been driven by the increasing demand for geospatial data and analysis in various fields, including environmental monitoring, natural resource management, urban planning, and disaster response. Over the years, CREC has collaborated with government agencies, private companies, and academic institutions to advance the use of remote sensing and mapping technologies.
Research Focus Areas
CREC’s research focus areas include land cover mapping, change detection, and geospatial analysis. The center’s researchers use a range of remote sensing platforms, including satellite, airborne, and ground-based sensors, to collect and analyze data on various environmental and social phenomena. For example, CREC has developed advanced techniques for object-based image analysis (OBIA) to extract meaningful information from high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery. The center’s research has been applied in various contexts, including deforestation monitoring, wildfire risk assessment, and urban growth modeling.
| Research Area | Application |
|---|---|
| Land Cover Mapping | Environmental monitoring, natural resource management |
| Change Detection | Deforestation monitoring, urban growth modeling |
| Geospatial Analysis | Disaster response, urban planning, transportation management |
Facilities and Resources
CREC is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including high-performance computing clusters, remote sensing and mapping software, and geospatial data storage and management systems. The center’s researchers have access to a range of remote sensing platforms, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data. CREC also collaborates with other research institutions and government agencies to leverage their resources and expertise.
Education and Training
CREC offers various educational and training programs for students, researchers, and professionals in the field of remote sensing and mapping. The center’s faculty and staff provide workshops and short courses on topics such as remote sensing fundamentals, geospatial analysis, and mapping technologies. CREC also offers graduate degree programs in remote sensing and geospatial science, providing students with advanced training and research opportunities.
- Remote Sensing Fundamentals
- Geospatial Analysis and Modeling
- Mapping Technologies and Applications
What is the main focus of CREC's research?
+CREC's main focus is on advancing the field of remote sensing and mapping technologies, with applications in environmental monitoring, natural resource management, urban planning, and disaster response.
What kind of facilities and resources does CREC have?
+CREC is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including high-performance computing clusters, remote sensing and mapping software, and geospatial data storage and management systems.
CREC’s research and development efforts have contributed significantly to the advancement of geospatial science and its applications in various fields. The center’s interdisciplinary approach, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaboration with other research institutions and government agencies have established it as a leading institution in the field of remote sensing and mapping.
