Soils research emphasizes the links between soils and their associated geomorphic context and climate, with attention to both contemporary and prehistoric problems. Plant geography focuses on studies of biological proxy for paleoenvironmental and spatial variability in how plants use water and carbon. Cartography Opportunities are available for work in many aspects of cartography, including the role of cognitive mapping to the production and use of the map, exploring spatial data, and map animation. The program has focused traditionally on the map as a communication device, but increasing activity centers on interactive computer graphics, visualization, human factors, and geographic information systems. The department has an active research program in both theory and application of geographic information systems.
Current research includes applications to landscape ecology, urban assessment, and urban planning.
GISprograms are complemented by related work in remote sensing and in urban design. The department supports a vigorous ongoing program of training and research in remote sensing. The department is a joint recipient, with the Kansas Applied Remote Sensing Program, of NASAfunding to create an Interdisciplinary Center of Excellence in Environmental Remote Sensing at the University of Kansas. In the field of cultural geography, the emphasis is on cultural ecology, cultural-historical and political geography, and social theory. Cultural-historical studies include humanistic, perceptual, and landscape studies of the American West, Africa, and other regions.