Academics

Our lab is dedicated to the principles of the Morrill Acts (1862 and 1890) by which land-grant universities are strongly connected to the citizens. Through sharing the outcomes of our innovations, we seek to share knowledge that can benefit those who put it into practice. As technology continues to evolve more and more quickly, accessibility to useful information is paramount to our lab’s contribution to the land-grant mission. 

These courses provide students with hands-on experience in geospatial and environmental sciences, grounded in a strong foundation of soil science. Students learn to analyze physical landscapes, interpret geospatial data, and apply digital mapping tools to real-world scenarios. From exploring human–environment interactions to developing spatial models for land use planning, these classes offer practical experience and technical skills essential for careers in environmental science, agriculture, and geoinformatics.

Courses

EnSci/Agron 2500 – Environmental Geography

(Cross-listed with AGRON 2500ENVS 2500NREM 2500).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.

The distribution, origins and functions of the earth’s physical systems and the spatial relationship between human activity and the natural world. (Typically Offered: Fall)

Agron/EnSci 2700 – Geospatial Technologies

(Cross-listed with AGRON 2700).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 2, Laboratory 2.

Concepts and tools for acquiring, managing, analyzing, and displaying geographic information, including GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and cartography. Focus on applications in biological, ecological, environmental, and agricultural sciences. (Typically Offered: Spring)

Agron/EnSci 6650: Digital Soil Mapping

(Cross-listed with AGRON 6650).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.

Application of geographic principles and geospatial technologies to study soil landscapes. Emphasis on detecting spatial patterns for research planning and answering research questions. Hands-on activities include designing sampling strategies, management of large spatial data sets, and spatial modelling. Prior GIS and soil science experience recommended. (Typically Offered: Spring)

Questions?

Reach out to millerba@iastate.edu