Laboratory of Geographic Information Systems LASIG

Geographical information plays an important role in the analysis of the structuring processes of the territory and of the landscape.

Introduction

Research at LASIG covers a large range of issues, all relevant to spatial data infrastructures, spatial analysis, and spatial decision support. Recent developments have tackled multi-scale digital elevation models, data-scarce modeling methods for air-pollution modeling, and remote-sensing methods (LIDAR and optical imagery) for forestry management.

A special focus has been dedicated to the emerging field of landscape genomics, dealing with advanced algorithms to investigate correlations between environmental variables and genes under selection. These novel correlative approaches are also relevant to elicit space-related public health issues.

Latest news

Aerial view of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. © iStock

Centralized database helps scientists better understand coral reefs

— Coral reefs are under a growing threat from climate change and human activity, making it more important than ever to understand their strengths and vulnerabilities. A team of EPFL scientists has now taken an important step in this direction with the new RECIFS open-access database on reef environments.

Three EPFL researchers in Vernier: Aurèle Pulfer, Marco Vieira Ruas and Emmanuelle Agustoni. © Alain Herzog/EPFL

New maps chart our affective relationship with the local environment

— EPFL researchers have studied Vernier, a city in the canton of Geneva, as the pilot site for an interactive map that explores our relationship with the built and natural environments.

Stéphane Joost and Noemi Romano. © Alain Herzog / EPFL

Scientists apply genetic methods to linguistics

— EPFL scientists have produced a series of maps showing historical migration events, including the migration of mountain farmers native to Upper Valais who began to settle in German-speaking Switzerland in the 13th century, by applying methods from population genetics – but using linguistic data rather than genes.

All news