The Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL) is involved in research and development in the areas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Remote Sensing, and Expert Systems. The lab utilizes these technologies to focus on developing applications and research to improve natural resource management. This is accomplished by integrating high-tech computer facilities with expertise of the faculty and staff to evaluate complex problems and provide solutions for more effective natural resource management strategies.

The SAL utilizes Sun Unix workstations, three PowerEdge servers, and ten PC workstations along with 15 terabytes of disk storage to accomplish these tasks. The lab uses ten types of devices for reading and storing data,and a CD/DVD Publisher to print and write CDs and DVDs. More than ten terabytes of hard disk space are available for software and data storage. The SAL has numerous high-quality output devices (color laser printers, three Inkjet plotters (60", 54", 36"), Dye-sublimation printer, etc.) that permit the visualization of spatial and tabular information. Spatial data input is accomplished using Altek backlit digitizers and digital scanners. The lab also incorporates other technologies, such as twenty field GPS units, six duel frequency surveying grade GPS systems, Topcon total stations, digital levels, two GPS Base Stations (Mapping and CORS), GER 1500 and GER 2600 Spectroradiometers, Mitsubishi Thermal Imager System, and a Kodak DCS420, Kodak DCS760, and Nikon D200 Digital Multi-Camera Systems in its research and development efforts. To complement the SAL, three other labs consisting of more than 50 workstations has been established in the School for undergraduate education, continuing education and technology transfer of spatial analysis techniques and applications related to natural resource management.  The SAL also has a mobile GIS Laboratory of 16 Laptops.

The primary software tool used is the Geographic Information System. A GIS package integrates spatial (road and stand locations), spectral (remote sensing) and tabular (inventory data) information to present a variety of alternatives for a multitude of resource decisions. A GIS can collect, manage, archive, manipulate, analyze, and display any data that can be referenced to a specific location. The principal GIS used in the lab is Arc/Info, ArcGIS, and ArcView. The SAL also has software tools for remote sensing, (Imagine, PCI, ER Mapper, etc.) GPS, and Expert System methodology and application development. All of these packages have the ability to communicate with each other, and read and write data across different software and hardware platforms.