Understanding the Ecosystem of Geospatial Research and Service in Universities

Abstract The study of location and location-based phenomena is a flourishing field. Many universities have grown their research and/or services in this field (often called GIS), established centers that are primarily engaged in the research of GIS, or applying GIS technologies to support researches of other fields. Some straddle “research of” and “research with” GIS in the same center, engaging in both GIScience research, often by researchers in a department or school, and geospatial technology services, often for users across the university. We conducted an online survey to scour the landscape of such centers in universities worldwide, to understand how they are structured, managed, financed, and sustained. The survey also included units as part of a library, department, or lab. Eighty-one valid responses were analyzed, revealing these organizations’ administrative, financial, staffing, and operational status; their history, visions, responsibilities, resources, constrains, challenges, and opportunities. The result showed differences between universities with and without a geography department.