About Us

Ohio Geospatial Program
for Agriculture and Natural Resource Applications

There are many applications for geospatial data and tools in agriculture and natural resources management. Geospatial technologies include remote sensing (aerial and satellite photography), geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and other tools for use in recording, displaying, and analyzing data at many geographic locations and at various times.

Demand is increasing for training and access to data and tools on a reliable and timely basis for decision-making. A comprehensive program has been established to integrate expertise across multiple disciplines to enhance knowledge about geospatial technologies. The Land Grant University system and the Ohio State University Extension provide the necessary network for dissemination of information and outreach education. Collaborations of this program involve the NASA Space Grant Consortium, industry partners, and the academic research community in Ohio. These partnerships provide support for outreach and Extension education, and applied research on the use of geospatial technologies for a diverse clientele base, with a focus on land and water resource managers.

Specific objectives of this program include:

• Establish links with stakeholders to enhance the education program
• Conduct a needs assessment for outreach education needs
• Develop case studies and interdisciplinary research on geospatial applications for decision-making
• Develop a comprehensive education program to raise awareness, provide technical and educational assistance, and foster adoption on the application of geospatial technologies
• Develop a geospatial data and information resource and service laboratory in the School of Natural Resources
• Develop web-based resources for learning and accessing data and information

Ohio is an ideal location for the further development of geospatial technologies. A wide variety of natural resource issues will benefit from improved access to and understanding of geospatial information and tools. Ohio is centrally located in northeast United States and encompasses a range of environmental and natural resource conditions and challenges, from Appalachia, to the Lake Erie Basin, and the Ohio River Watershed. Rural land uses (forestry and broad acre agriculture) are complemented with growing urban and industrial centers.

Primary areas of focus for application of geospatial information and technologies in Ohio include:

• Precision agriculture
• Carbon cycle management and carbon sequestration
• Avian Influenza
• Watershed management
• Water quality
• Waste management
• Land use change issues at the rural-urban fringe
• Wetlands, riparian areas, and Lake Erie
• Forest management on public and private lands

For more information about the Ohio Geospatial Program, contact:

Nathan Watermeier
Program Director
Geospatial Extension Specialist
Agriculture and Natural Resources
2120 Fyffe Road
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 688-3442
watermeier.2@osu.edu