Divisions of CSIS

CSIS consists of five research divisions, the division of Spatial Information Analysis, the division of Spatial Information Engineering, the division of Spatial Socio-economic Research, the division of Joint Usage and Research, and the Research Initiative for Geospatially Enabled Society. This page introduces the various studies currently being conducted by these divisions and their members. Detailed information can be viewed under the outline of each division.


1. Division of Spatial Information Analysis

This division investigates methods for analyzing and modeling the shape, distribution and spatial relationships of spatial objects. The division also applies these methods to analyses of human spatial phenomena, such as urban activities and human behavior, and to natural spatial phenomena, such as landforms, hydrology and vegetation in order to understand and visualize the spatial characteristics of these features and to uncover the underlying mechanisms, which can then be used to predict future phenomena and to analyze spatial policies. Many studies have been conducted, some of which are briefly shown here.

 

2. Division of Spatial Information Engineering

By collecting and integrating various data types and information generated in the real world using spatio-temporal keys, researchers can recreate real world conditions and the changes that occur therein, generate information with greater added value, and examine methods for creating services based on that information. For example, research is being conducted on sophisticated methods that can be applied to obtaining, integrating, and mining spatial data that corresponds to the real world, as well as on systems that connect various sensors dispersed throughout a real space to collect and integrate spatio-temporal data.

 

3.Division of Spatial Socio-Economic Research

The aim of this division is to promote theoretical and empirical studies into diverse social and economic phenomena, paying special attention to their spatio-temporal characteristics. The ultimate goal is to understand and develop solutions to economic problems. Furthermore, we develop new econometric tools for analyzing spatiotemporal data. The division also constructs spatio-temporal socio-economic databases that are made available to researchers in a variety of fields. This will greatly enhance empirical research in the social sciences, in particular, in urban and regional economics. Many studies have been conducted, some of which are shown briefly here.

 

4. Division of Joint Usage and Research (JUR)

This division reconstructs scattered spatial data and spatial knowledge to compile a spatial information base. It also conducts research and development on environments that support research and educational activities related to these data and that use them in sophisticated applications. In addition to designing, implementing, and validating initiatives directed at the development of research communities, this division studies the environments, methods, and systems needed for promoting social applications of the spatial information base.

 

5. Division of Space System and Geospatial Information Engineering (CSIS-S4D)(Corporate Sponsored Research Programs)

Supported by 25* private companies and foundations, we aim to build geo-spatial data management/distribution infrastructure, and to develop platforms for various geo-spatial data gathering and analysis. We are actively involved in making policy recommendation to geo-spatial projects particularly in public sector, as well as promoting human resource development through our activities, by utilizing various space/spatial technologies and data.
* As of September 2016