Overview
What is Spatial Information Science?
A number of phenomena and social problems that occur in the world are closely related to spatial factors. In any situation, there are certain basic and necessary methods that can be used to understand and provide solutions to all such phenomena and problems. Spatial information science is the study of these general methods and their applications. In other words, spatial information science is a field that develops systematic methods for constructing, managing, analyzing, integrating, and communicating spatial data (i.e., natural, social, economic, and cultural data with location information) and that studies their applications to other fields. Moreover, spatial information science aims to construct “spatial knowledge,” which refers to the knowledge of nature, society, economy, and culture relating to spatial data.
Position of CSIS
CSIS was established as an internal joint-use facility by the University of Tokyo. It can be used by researchers from various faculties and research institutions within the university for their respective research works. CSIS does not concentrate on one specific field but encourages lateral research connections.
CSIS has worked with numerous researchers within the University of Tokyo and has actively pursued research with other universities, the private sector, and national institutions. In April 2006, CSIS became a national joint-use facility to build, develop, and spread spatial information science and to offer greater support for researchers around the country. In April 2010, CSIS made a new beginning as a joint usage/research center licensed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan. You are invited to make suggestions or requests regarding possible research themes and research support activities for CSIS.
Organization and Steering of CSIS
CSIS is administrated by the Steering Committee, which consists of professors, assistant professors, and lecturers at The University of Tokyo. The research plan and joint use/research policy of CSIS are decided through discussion with the Research Advisory Board, which consists of extra-university academic experts.
