2026 18th CEGIS Annual Research Meeting

June 23-25, 2026, virtual event by invitation only

See the agenda

Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS)

CEGIS researchers are Federal scientists in the USGS that lead collaborative research projects.

Research

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Science theme topics

Each topic is part of a broader science theme for you to explore

Peruse through completed projects

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Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS)

The CEGIS vision is to conduct, lead, and influence the research and innovative solutions required by the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and the emerging GeoSpatial and GeoSemantic Web.

CEGIS is a virtual organization with Federal and academic affiliate scientists conducting research in support of The National Map and the Three-Dimensional Elevation Program (3DEP).

2026 18th CEGIS Annual Research Meeting

Scheduled for June 23-25, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, the 18th CEGIS Annual Research Meeting is invitation only.

We will celebrate our accomplishments, explore ongoing projects, foster collaboration for future endeavors, and entertain a broad range of presentations from researchers and their collaborators.

See the agenda

Research

Each subject is a science theme with associated subtopics. You'll find research information, projects, images, and publications available by topic and by general search.

Explore science

Completed projects

Black and white image of a woman working at an old computer terminal

Peruse through completed projects

News

June 4, 2026

2026 USGS Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS) Annual Research Meeting

Publications

September 15, 2026

Linking scale-specific sinuosity to hydrogeomorphic domains in Alaska watersheds Linking scale-specific sinuosity to hydrogeomorphic domains in Alaska watersheds

River meander patterns arise from geomorphological processes influenced by climate, geology, terrain, and hydrology. These processes produce a wide spectrum of sinuous channel and meander forms, and understanding them is essential for land management practices, such as natural channel restoration (Dominguez et al., 2018), flood and erosion control, bank stabilization (U.S. Department of...

Authors

Larry Stanislawski, Pierofranco Costabile, Barry J. Kronenfeld, Margherita Lombardo

Core Science Systems Mission Area, Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS)

September 15, 2026

Evaluating the reliability of U.S. Geological Survey Three Dimensional Elevation Program lidar-derived building heights using multi-source comparison Evaluating the reliability of U.S. Geological Survey Three Dimensional Elevation Program lidar-derived building heights using multi-source comparison

No abstract available.

Authors

Jung-Kuan Liu, Ethan J. Shavers, Samantha T. Arundel, Rongjun Qin

Core Science Systems Mission Area, Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS)

July 15, 2026

Evaluating U.S. Geological Survey 3D Elevation Program LiDAR data as a source for building height Evaluating U.S. Geological Survey 3D Elevation Program LiDAR data as a source for building height

Accurate building height information is used for numerous urban applications, including infrastructure modeling, disaster risk assessment, and energy demand estimation. The U.S. Geological Survey collects airborne lidar data to support the three-dimensional elevation program (3DEP). The high point density and vertical accuracy of the lidar point clouds are optimal for 3D mapping. Few...

Authors

Jung-Kuan Liu, Ethan J. Shavers, Samantha T. Arundel, Rongjun Qin

Core Science Systems Mission Area, Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS)

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Science

June 18, 2026

2026 18th CEGIS Annual Research Meeting

The Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS) is proud to host the 2026 18th CEGIS Annual Research Meeting June 23-25, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. The annual research meeting is a special occasion to celebrate our accomplishments, explore ongoing projects, and foster collaboration for future endeavors. This year's gathering featured a broad range of presentations from our...

Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS), 3D Elevation Program, 3D Hydrography Program, 3D National Topography Model, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center

June 18, 2026

2026 18th CEGIS Annual Research Meeting

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July 2, 2025

2025 CEGIS Annual Research Meeting

The Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS) was proud to host the 2025 CEGIS Annual Research Meeting July 22-24, 2025. The annual research meeting is a special occasion to celebrate our accomplishments, explore ongoing projects, and foster collaboration for future endeavors. This year's gathering featured a broad range of presentations from our researchers and their...

July 2, 2025

2025 CEGIS Annual Research Meeting

Learn More

3D National Topography Model Graphic Slide

January 23, 2025

Image processing

Image processing helps us study and understand different types of landscapes. We use algorithms and software to analyze satellite and airborne images to make detailed maps of the land and its features. By using automated techniques such as feature extraction and building of 3D models, image processing helps scientists learn more about the land and how it changes over time.

Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS)

January 23, 2025

Image processing

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Multimedia

Overhead image of blue water features with a hilly terrain in the background.

3D Hydrography Program Product Specification

Automatically generated terrain objects

Screenshot of lidar-derived digital surface elevation models of a stream channel

Lidar-derived digital surface and elevation models of a stream channel

Lidar-derived digital elevation model and NHD stream lines

100m resolution elevation model with hydro

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