HAAS
The Raymond M. Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development is
the business research arm of the College of Business at the University of West
Florida. The Haas Center began providing geographic information systems data
to customers in 2001. The Haas Center provides GIS data to the business community
to help identify and target potential site locations, identify potential markets,
identify real estate activity, and provide economic and demographic analysis
of the geographic area.
Geographic Information Systems
– Environmental Studies
The Environmental Studies Department is the hub of GIS activity at UWF. Located
within the department are the Internet Mapping Server (IMS) and the Geo-Data
Center. IMS offers the potential to post our research on the internet and allow
the public or fellow researchers access. The Geo-Data Center is an inter-departmental
GIS laboratory with the latest GIS software and hardware. Current research projects
utilizing GIS within the department include an EPA funded study into the health
of local estuaries in relation to their drainage basin. Projects currently under
development include an expansion of IMS services to include a West Florida geographic
data repository.
Geographic Information Systems –
Archaeology
The Archaeology Institute has utilized Digital Geographic Information System
(GIS) technology since 1992. The focus of our GIS efforts includes scholarly
research, education and serving the historic preservation needs of our region.
Most of our academic research projects, both underwater and terrestrial, include
a major GIS element, and our students become well versed in its use through
classroom instruction and practical application. Moreover, GIS technology enables
the Institute to provide efficient cultural resource management advice and assistance
to federal agencies, state, city and county governments, developers, utility
contractors and private landowners.
Criminal Justice
Center for Diagnostics & Bioremediation (CEDB)
An assessment of environmental and health impacts of toxic pollutants on Bayou
Texar (PERCH) is being conducted by the Center for Environmental Diagnostics
and Bioremediation. GIS technology is being used to evaluate the relative contribution
of pollution sources that include storm water runoff, input from Carpenter's
Creek, groundwater from industrial sites and tidal influx from Pensacola Bay.
GIS analysis assisted in assessing the threat of plumes from Superfund Sites
to water and sediment quality in Bayou Texar. The Biology and Environmental
Studies Departments are also using GIS to study environmental impacts on surface
and groundwater resulting from agricultural runoff. GPS technology was integrated
into the GIS to analyze spatial data from surveyed sampling locations.
