The Centre for Geospatial Science engages in all areas of geoinformatics research, resulting in collaborations which operate across many disciplines and institutions. Research is undertaken on both long term fundamental challenges and shorter term application orientated issues. CGS prioritises scientific analysis, but members also realise that an understanding of the generic implications of new technological developments is also important, as is the transfer of research findings to industry and government. Geospatial Science is a vibrant domain due to the irregularity of its data. The real world simply will not fit into neatly packaged schemas or universal ontologies. CGS pioneers research in geospatial models, attempting to address this gap.
The Centre’s main objective has always been to enable the use of geospatial and geographic information in new and innovative ways so as to gain insight and understanding. Much of CGS’s research can be brought together under a central theme of interoperability, whereby all data, systems and people are enabled to work together, encouraging openness and the sharing of geospatial data and research findings. This theme is most evident through CGS's membership of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) and its hosting of the Open Source GIS UK (OSGIS UK) Conferences.
CGS's research strength is based on the excellence, multidisciplinarity, geographic and career diversity of its researchers, supported by a new and well-equipped building, situated witin a large, world-class University. However, research excellence cannot be wholly based on a single institution or Centre and CGS gains considerably from its collaborations with other leading research institutions around the world.
The Centre’s researchers have achieved significant success in attracting both internal and external funding for research over the last five years. CGS currently holds contracts from a broad range of bodies including: the European Union (EU), the UK Research Councils, the Ordnance Survey of Great Britain (OSGB), the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), other Government Departments and Agencies, and a range of UK and international commercial organisations.
The Centre is home to a growing number of internees, postgraduate students, and visiting scientists undertaking research into a wide array of geospatial topics. More are welcomed each year. The first students have now successfully completed Masters and PhD courses within CGS and its associated Schools and Institutes.
CGS also runs a GIS seminar series, workshops and conferences, as well as providing consultancy services to government and industry. Guest lectures by visiting researchers from around the world are another regular feature in the CGS calendar.