Research

Doing research with the SAL can range from a one-time connection to borrow a tool or brainstorm together, to a semester-length or longer-term collaboration.

Bosilijka Glumac and Al Curran (Geosciences), along with Geosciences students Hanna Wheeler (’27) and Eloise Cullen (’28) collecting aerial imagery to map coastal boulder transport in the Bahamas, with training and support from Kala’i.

💡 One on one consultation for research planning

SAL staff are available to consult with you on how you can incorporate GIS, maps, and/or spatial thinking into your research.

The shrub Hecastocleis in the Southwest US, mapped by Colin Hoag (Anthropology) with analysis by SAL associate Ari Cross (’24).

🧰 Tool and software guidance

The SAL lends out GPS/GNSS receivers and other equipment, and SAL staff can share instructions or walk you through how to use SAL tools and software.

Screenshot of article on participatory mapping for accessibility — Article on participatory spatial data collection about accessible and inaccessible features of campus, by Shiya Cao (SDS), Heather, and Sarah Susnea (’26)

🦺 Data collection, curation, and analysis

The SAL can collect spatial data for you or work with you on data collection. If you are looking for pre-existing data or to process data for mapping and spatial analysis, we can also help you with that.

Map for Fernando Armstrong-Fumero's (Anthropology) book project, drafted by Nico Reyes ('23) with updates by Heather. — Map for Fernando Armstrong-Fumero’s (Anthropology) book project, drafted by SAL associate Nico Reyes (’23) with updates by Heather.

🗺️ Maps and figures

Depending on the scope of your project, the SAL team is available to create maps and other figures using spatial data (broadly defined) for presentation or publication.

Celebrating Collaborations poster analyzing data centers and social/environmental injustice, by SAL associate Emily Whitney (’28) and SDS students Radiah Khan (’28) and Nicole Sanchez Flores (’26).

🔎 Sustained collaboration

Depending on the scope of your project and SAL availability, the SAL team are available for a combination of the above over a longer period. Especially for semester-length or longer projects, the SAL strives to involve our students in such collaborations.