Florida State University Unveils Spatial Data Science Center
Florida State University (FSU) has launched the Spatial Data Science Center (SDSC), a new initiative within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP). This center aims to drive interdisciplinary research focused on addressing complex societal challenges through advanced spatial data analytics.
Under the leadership of A. Stewart Fotheringham, a prominent figure in spatial data science and the Krafft Professor in the Department of Geography, the SDSC will utilize cutting-edge technologies, including GPS and satellite-based remote sensing. The center’s research will tackle critical issues in public health, transportation, crime, and environmental sustainability, among others.
“The Spatial Data Science Center is committed to helping provide solutions to some of society’s most pressing problems through the power of spatial data analytics,” Fotheringham stated. His expertise is recognized globally, underscored by his election to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. He is noted for developing Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR), a statistical method widely used in various fields such as public health and urban planning.
Investment in Big Data for Societal Insights
The establishment of the SDSC marks a significant advancement for COSSPP as it embraces the role of big data in contemporary society. Dean Tim Chapin highlighted that the center will generate powerful insights into the health of populations and the environment, enhancing educational programs to better prepare students for the modern workforce.
“These investments in spatial data science will yield powerful insights into the health of our people and planet,” Chapin explained. He emphasized the importance of this initiative in addressing pressing societal issues, including political polarization and health disparities.
Fotheringham has a history of founding successful spatial data research centers, including the Centre for Geoinformatics at the University of St. Andrews and the Spatial Analysis Research Center at Arizona State University. His experience is expected to bolster FSU’s position as a leader in this emerging field.
Innovative Projects and Collaborative Efforts
One of the SDSC’s flagship projects involves a comprehensive analysis of voting behavior in the U.S. presidential elections, focusing on over 200,000 precincts from the 2020 and 2024 elections. “This is enormously exciting as we are able to uncover aspects of voting behavior at an unprecedented detailed spatial scale,” Fotheringham noted, acknowledging the significant computational demands of this research.
The SDSC is also advancing the field of explainable AI (XAI). This project aims to develop machine learning algorithms that provide transparent and interpretable insights into the outcomes derived from spatial data. Additionally, the center is focused on optimizing MGWR for large datasets to enhance accessibility for researchers using standard computational resources.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of the SDSC’s mission. It seeks to engage with various departments at FSU, including public health, sociology, political science, and urban planning. Fotheringham expressed gratitude for the support from FSU administration, including Provost James Clark and Vice President for Research Stacey Patterson.
Graduate students are an essential part of the SDSC, where talent and skills take precedence over seniority. Currently, around 15 graduate students are supported, with plans for further funding and the development of dedicated spaces for research and collaboration.
The center is eager to foster partnerships with local and state government agencies, nonprofits, and corporate entities. Faculty interested in contributing to the SDSC’s various research areas are encouraged to reach out to Fotheringham directly.
To facilitate knowledge sharing, the SDSC plans to host its inaugural campus-wide forum in February 2026, aimed at exploring how spatial data science can provide solutions across different sectors.
For more information about the Spatial Data Science Center, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/sdsc or contact Fotheringham at [email protected].
