Learn more about all of the amazing work that the Conservation Innovation Center is doing across the Chesapeake Bay watershed and elsewhere. Together with our partners, we are enhancing the pace and quality of conservation with groundbreaking technology.
To learn more about the Conservation Innovation Center and our recent work, explore the fact sheets below.
Precision Conservation
Precision conservation—projects at the right place, the right scale, the right size, the right time, and making sure they are working—is going to redefine how landscape conservation is approached. Instead of sweeping acquisitions or all-encompassing legislation, we can use the latest high-resolution datasets to conduct advanced geospatial analysis that allows us to better target and implement on-the-ground agricultural and conservation best management practices.
Precision Conservation
Applying advanced spatial analysis techniques to prioritize conservation best management practices to ensure maximized ecosystem services and have the greatest impact
1-meter Resolution Land Use/Land Cover Data
Leveraging aerial imagery, LiDAR elevation data, and machine learning produce 1-meter resolution land cover maps for precision planning
Hyper-Resolution Hydrography Mapping
Redefining the way stream channels are mapped by combining high-resolution terrain data and recent advancements in geomorphology and computer vision
Tree Canopy Change Analysis
Providing a high-resolution spatial change product quantifying tree canopy loss and gain at a regional scale.
Prioritization Tools
Developing tools and user-friendly web-based platforms to identify and prioritize conservation and restoration opportunities
Web Applications
Enabling data access for partners with all levels of GIS proficiency to geoprocess and query data to support strategic conservation and restoration efforts
Planning Support and Capacity Building
Providing local conservation organizations with GIS data, services, and training to encourage efficient, cost-effective, and strategic outreach and project implementation
Viewshed Protection and Impact Analyses
Mapping the visible landscape to understand the impacts of and guide strategic development that maintains the beauty of special vistas
Vacant Lots to Green Spaces
Working with the City of Baltimore to determine how over 17,000 vacant lots could be transformed into useable green space using a powerful query tool and suitability analysis
Protecting Drinking Water through Land Conservation
Helping partners protect drinking water sources through land conservation by identifying land essential to drinking water safety.
Optimal Solar Siting for Maryland: A Pilot for Baltimore County and City
Identifying optimal solar sites and answering the key question: Are enough optimal sites available to meet Maryland’s renewable energy goals for solar energy?
Chesapeake Bay AI Mapping of Solar Arrays
First map of ground-mounted solar arrays provides new possibilities for land management planning and policy-making.
