Geospatial Data Science and
Geographic Information Systems
Geospatial data science and geographic information systems (GIS) provide powerful tools for analyzing complex spatial systems across various domains, from environmental science to urban planning. These systems often consist of numerous interconnected elements, such as land features, infrastructure, and populations, each with its own dynamics. By leveraging spatial data and advanced analytics, we can model how changes in one part of a system—whether in the physical landscape or human activity—impact the broader environment or society. Just as nonlinear dynamics help explain the behaviors of living systems, geospatial models allow for understanding the interactions between geography, human behavior, and ecological processes. By integrating GIS technologies with data science methodologies, we can uncover patterns, predict future trends, and inform decision-making in areas ranging from resource management to transportation planning. This approach empowers researchers, policymakers, and businesses to gain insights into the spatial-temporal relationships shaping our world.
The aim of this document is to implement modern open
source libraries in Python to obtain insights on collected survey LiDAR data by the Applied
Geomatics Research Group as well as develop machine learning models to automate the
detection and mapping of distribution of eelgrass (Zostera Marina) and sugar kelp (Laminaria
Saccharina) in Atlantic Canada (Fig. 1). The project aim is carried out through developing
a Python processing pipeline for LiDAR data which handles the visualization, cleaning, and
creation of training and test data for implementation of a PointCNN classifier using the