The Complex Systems Research Center of the University of New Hampshire will acquire the computer equipment necessary to create a unified remote sensing/georeferenced computer workstation for regional to global scale ecosystem modeling. The workstation will enhance existing facilities in the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space at the university. New research initiatives in global ecosystem studies and landscape ecology demand mathematical models with improved spatial resolution and data with georeferenced characteristics. Remote sensing systems and Geographic Information Systems offer the possibility for obtaining the necessary data. Yet, these components remain only discrete unrelated pieces of a potentially integrated system. This project will bring these pieces together into a highly effective remote sensing georeferenced modeling system. The computer workstation will have capabilities for: a) grid and raster GIS, b) vector GIS, c) remote sensing and image processing, d) point data management, e) array process, f) large database management (eg. windowing) g) graphics, h) data capture and analysis, and i) mathematical modeling. Support and facilities at the institution are excellent as is the primary group of scientists who will make use of the facilities. The research that the facility is capable of enhancing will be of fundamental importance at a basic level. Additionally, global considerations such as climate change, biological diversity and acid precipitation will be addressable by the newcapabilities. An award is strongly recommended by the Ecosystem Studies Program.
