UD geography doctoral candidate Dongyang Wei and faculty Kyle Davis

Department of
Geography &
Spatial Sciences

The Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences (GSS) has nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are engaged in cutting-edge research and offer exciting educational opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.

GSS provides a unique perspective that seeks to explain patterns of differences and commonality across the human and natural environment. In the Department, students examine the physical properties of the natural environment and the role that human beliefs, activities and decision-making have in shaping the world around us.

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Profiles in Sustainability


Saleem Ali, chair of the Department of Geography & Spatial Sciences and Blue and Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and the Environment, is profiled in the interdisciplinary journal Environment.

Read the Q&A here

Saleem Ali lecturing in a classroom

FEATURED ACADEMIC PROGRAM

GIScience & Environmental Data Analytics major


Geographic Information Science (GIScience) is the analysis and mapping of large geospatial data sets to better understand the world around us. GIScience allows us to harness the large amounts of data being collected today for the betterment of the environment and society.  

GIScience  major

News and events

LATEST NEWS

Global irrigation mapping

UD study creates global maps to show changes in irrigation across the planet

Davis, Shores named 2023 Gerard J. Mangone Young Scholars

Young, promising scholars recognized for their outstanding research

Rare earth mining

UD-led study shows the unexpected expansion of rare earth element mining activities in Myanmar-China border region

Unequal park quality

UD study uses social media and machine learning to show environmental injustices in Philadelphia’s urban parks

Solving water scarcity

UD doctoral student draws on experience growing up in Ethiopia to help solve water crises in his home country and beyond