Geospatial analysis laboratory

Department of Geography - University of Zadar

Geospatial Analysis Laboratory

GAL is an interdisciplinary laboratory at the Department of Geography, University of Zadar. Its basic aim is to implement scientific research, educate junior scientists, and apply new, modern knowledge and technology in developing new research methods. Performing and advancing scientific research within GAL is based on the application of geospatial analyses from the GIS and RS domains.

GAL is equipped with the most up-to-date devices and accompanying software, while training the research team. Geospatial analysis relates to applying technical and procedural methods for the purposes of processing and interpreting gathered spatial data, with the aim of identifying new information on the object being studied. In this, a key role is played by devices designed for information-gathering (a terrestrial laser scanner, 3D scanner, airborne LiDAR, unmanned aerial vehicle, and multispectral and thermal cameras), which allow scientific research to be carried out regardless of the surface under investigation (micro-meso-macro), or the required precision.

The use of GIS in combination with RS technology (unmanned aerial vehicle, 3D scanner, LiDAR, infrared camera, thermal camera, etc.) facilitates the study of certain processes or phenomena at close range, while their characteristics are measurable, i.e. can be described quantitatively. The importance of quantitative analyses lies in their precision and comparability, but their potential application in Croatia in geomorphology, the management of protected areas, archaeology, and agronomy has not been sufficiently researched.

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GAL is financed and establish trough Croatian Science Foundation Installation Research Projects UIP-2017-05-2694

FACILITIES

At the Department of Geography, University of Zadar, the prerequisites for implementing geospatial technology in scientific research and the Department's teaching have been met. The Department has an IT classroom with twenty computers equipped with commercial and OpenSource GIS software, which is required for processing and interpreting gathered data. However, experience so far and the scientific discoveries of members of the research group have revealed the need to acquire and use modern technology, which is presently unavailable, in future scientific research.

EQUIPMENT

The equipment includes various measuring instruments and devices which would enable researchers to collect precise data in the field, which they could then use to further previous scientific research and create a new methodological approach to researching certain phenomena and processes.