Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences
Geography is more than maps. It's the science that explains how people and the environment shape one another.
In the Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences, you'll explore the Earth's physical and human dimensions, tackling questions about climate change, resource management, natural hazards and global interconnection.
Whether analyzing satellite data, modeling landscapes or studying cultural patterns, our students learn to see the world as an integrated system of people, places and processes, preparing them to make meaningful impacts locally and globally.
Meet the faculty and staff of the Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences!
57th Geography Convention Banquet | 5 p.m. | Friday, March 27, 2026
Brookings, South Dakota
The Virginia and J. Edward Holtry Distinguished Lecture in Geospatial Science
Holtry Visiting Scientist program
About the Series
In August 2006, Virginia Russell Holtry made a generous donation to the SDSU Foundation to establish an endowment in support of geographic information science at SDSU. During her long life, Holtry traveled to most parts of the world in her leisure time, and these experiences contributed to her interest in the influences of humans and nature on the land and climate around the globe.
One of the stated activities of the endowment was the Holtry Visiting Scientist program, which aims to bring internationally recognized scientists in the broad interdisciplinary endeavor that is geographic information science to campus to work with students and faculty and “to make public appearances that would enhance public understanding” of what has been called Earth system science.
The Geospatial Sciences Center of Excellence conducts cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and provides quality education for future scientists, educators and decision-makers. The Geospatial Sciences Center of Excellence is a research and educational collaboration that combines the unique strengths of South Dakota State University and the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Resources Observation and Science Center.
South Dakota View is a consortium of educational institutions, government agencies and private sector organizations in South Dakota with a common goal of building partnerships and infrastructure to facilitate the availability, timely distribution and utilization of remotely sensed data.
South Dakota View is a charter member of , a nationwide program that focuses on satellite remote sensing data and technologies in support of applied research, K-16 education, workforce development and technology transfer.
- – A Different South Dakota Than What I Was Expecting with Bruce Millett
