Centre for Environmental & Spatial Analysis (CESA)
The Centre for Environmental and Spatial Analysis (CESA) is a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing research and consultancy unit that is based in the Division of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Northumbria. Staff involved with the Centre have been undertaking research and consultancy in this field for a variety of clients since a major biomass assessment project for the World Bank in 1989. CESA was established in its present form in 1999.
The Centre is led by Dr Helen Dunsford, Senior Lecturer in GIS and is staffed by highly skilled researchers with specialisms in data integration, spatial analysis, GIS customisation, Global Positioning Systems and field surveying, satellite data analysis, three dimensional landscape visualisation and experience of their application in a wide range of sectors (see overleaf for some contract details) and areas across the UK, Europe and the developing world.
CESA is a highly outward looking unit that has strong links with other applied research and consultancy groups within the University of Northumbria, and also private sector partners, including:
- Environment Management Services Ltd (co-developers of BirdStrike)
- Leapfrog Communications Ltd.
- Centre for Design Research (multi-media developers for countryside interpretation)
- Environmental Consultancy Services
- Sustainable Cities Research Institute
- Community Safety Research Unit
- Centre for Regional Economic Development
- Northern Economic Research Unit
These partners reflect the breadth of GIS and Remote Sensing applications that CESA has developed, from pioneer saltmarsh mapping to crime pattern analysis and from the development of BirdStrike hazard assessment software to a decision support system for forest and wildlife resource management in Mozambique.
There are four strands of research, development, training and consultancy work which comprise CESA's activities:
- Data processing, analysis and mapping and methodologies for effective information sharing;
- GIS development for specific applications, including environmental assessment, crime audit, health planning, contaminated land and landscape visualisation;
- GIS training for professionals with limited experience of GIS and advanced courses for existing users, including an international course on GIS for emergency preparedness and disaster management;
- The wider development of GIS solutions and Decision Support Systems for resource assessment, allocation and sustainable development.
