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Innovate to elevate: Advancing geospatial solutions

October 7, 2024
Adam Clark, Jeremy Webb and Eric Chabot conduct pre-flight setup for an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems light detection and ranging sensor test flight on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The drone sits on a portable landing pad.
Geospatial Office employees Adam Clark, Jeremy Webb and Eric Chabot conduct pre-flight setup for an Uncrewed Aircraft Systemslight detection and ranging sensor test flight on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest for a Geospatial Technology and Applications Steering Committee project, June 2023. (USDA Forest Service photo by Thöre Christensen)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Forest Service Geospatial Technology and Applications Steering Committee is now accepting proposals for FY 2025 to develop innovative geospatial solutions to enhance resource analysis and land management decisions.

Don’t miss your chance! Submit your proposal by Nov. 1 for a chance to put your ideas to use geospatial technologies to improve resource analysis and land management decisions into action.

The committee sponsors cooperative projects that align with agency priorities, support immediate field needs, and increase our knowledge about geospatial technology capabilities. These technologies include remote sensing sensors and data, photogrammetric systems, Global Positioning Systems, Geographic Information Systems, cartography, spatial information architectures, and analytical workflows.

Chief Randy Moore listens intently to a presentation by an employee about Geospatial Technology and Applications Steering Committee projects. The room is filled with easels and posters to provide visuals for the presentation.
Geospatial Office staff present information about field support and Geospatial Technology and Applications Steering Committee projects to Chief Randy Moore during a visit to Salt Lake City, Utah, in October 2023. (USDA Forest Service photo by Thöre Christensen)

A single committee project can transform processes and procedures within the Forest Service. For example, the development of Burned Area Reflectance Classification data began as an idea selected for a committee project in the early 2000s. A Burned Area Reflectance Classification is a satellite-derived data layer of post-fire vegetation condition. And now more than 20 years later, this is a common product used as an input to the soil burn severity map produced by the Burned Area Emergency Response teams. Check out other completed projects to get ideas for your own.

Selected projects are conducted by the Field Services and Innovation Center–Geospatial Office and typically last 12 to 15 months, but shorter time commitments are possible. Selected proposals highlight investigations, workflow improvements or prototype development efforts. 

This year, the committee will select six proposals to conduct field technology demonstration projects. Committee members review and evaluate proposals based on several factors including national significance, partnerships, innovation, probability of success, implementation prospects, technical merit, and cost sharing. Projects are not intended for production work.

Please note, this is not a grant and committee funds are not transferred to the proposing unit. This is an opportunity to work on your idea collaboratively alongside the Geospatial Office.

If you would like to consult with a Geospatial Office representative on your proposal or have questions, please email the steering committee.

Additional resources