Laboratory for Terrestrial Remote Sensing

The goal of LTRS is to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research and education programs with focuses in terrestrial remote sensing through conducting scientific research, generating high quality scholarly publications, delivering state-of-the-art classes through university’s education programs, and providing professional and public services in the professions that we practice. 

Our main research interests are in Earth observation and applied sciences in monitoring, reporting and forecasting ecological conditions of a variety of terrestrial environments and ecosystems via remote sensing and quantitative modeling and analyses. Particular areas of interests include remote sensing of dynamics of landscape and land-cover/land-use change (LCLUC). LCLUC is an interdisciplinary scientific theme that includes performing repeated inventories of landscape change from space; developing scientific understanding and models necessary to simulate the processes taking place; evaluating consequences of observed and predicted changes; and understanding consequences on environmental goods and services and management of natural resources. Such a particular research focus is critical to improve our understanding of coupled human and natural systems, and the vulnerability, resilience, sustainability, conservation and management of the land and water systems. 

Our research projects include engaging data from multiple remote sensors and sources to map and analyze changes of coastal regions, mountainous regions, wetlands and urban environments, as induced by natural forces and anthropogenic disturbances. The research efforts include developing modeling mechanisms and approaches to bridging driving factors and consequences of changes and decision support, so that the impacts from nature and anthropogenic stressors on environments and ecosystems can be effectively understood and managed.  

LTRS shares lab space with the Environmental Data Center. Two groups of faculty, staff members and students are working in the same complex for research development and service delivery using geospatial information science and technologies.