SLU Launches Next-Generation Geospatial Center to Power Innovation in St. Louis and Beyond
ST. LOUIS (July 21, 2026) — Saint Louis University has launched a new center focused on advancing geospatial research, fostering collaboration and developing solutions that benefit communities here at home and around the world. Housed in SLU’s School of Science and Engineering, the Geospatial Center will bring together faculty and students from across the University to address complex societal challenges using GeoAI, quantum sensing technologies, geospatial science and advanced analytics.
“As demand for geospatial technologies continues to grow, the timing is ideal for this new Center,” said Gregory Triplett, Ph.D., the Oliver L. Parks Dean of SLU’s School of Science and Engineering. “Rapidly emerging opportunities call for coordinated academic leadership and a stronger platform that moves data into insight, insight into action and action into impact.”
Over the past decade, SLU has emerged as a national leader in geospatial research, securing more than $20 million in active external funding for projects in fiscal year 2026 that address challenges in national security, agricultural monitoring, disaster response, economic development and workforce transformation.
In recent years, the University has strategically invested in new faculty with expertise in core geospatial sciences and adjacent and applied sciences across a variety of academic disciplines.
SLU has forged strong partnerships with key leaders in the sector, including the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), with whom it has co-hosted the Geo-Resolution conference since 2019. SLU also provided workforce training to the government via GEOINT Training through Academic Programs.
The Geospatial Center is a university-wide effort that will provide a unified platform to amplify these advancements across academic units and expand their impact. The center’s priorities include:
- Advancing research through collaborative projects, shared resources and external grants.
- Expanding educational pathways, from undergraduate to graduate and professional programs, which connect theory to practice.
- Supporting partnerships with government, industry and community organizations to address local, national and global challenges.
- Translating research into impact through data-driven insights, applied solutions and technology development.
The foundation of geospatial research at SLU is in utilizing emerging and adaptive technology, including remote sensing, artificial intelligence/machine learning, unmanned aerial systems, cloud and edge computing, software development, social media and smartphone technology.
The Geospatial Center will be led by director Vasit Sagan, Ph.D., professor of geospatial science and computer science and a former member of the National Geospatial Advisory Committee, and associate director Ness Sandoval, Ph.D., professor of sociology and anthropology and the director of public and social policy at SLU.
The Center includes affiliated faculty across the University who are conducting innovative research on disaster preparedness and response, economic development and social instability, food, water, and human security, disease mapping, and transportation and supply chain issues.