Through research conducted in Geodetic Sciences, The Ohio State University was an early leader in the development and use of satellite technology for measuring earth parameters. The Center for Mapping, founded in 1986, continues this early research by focusing upon the commercial potential of mapping technologies based upon satellite-based information systems. Satellite imagery is also at the core of research being conducted in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Geodetic Science. Satellite information is being used to analyze highway use, to map currents in oceans, to study the Great Lakes, to improve coastal management, to develop a safe traverse route in Antarctica, and to study geodesy. Also, exciting new theoretical developments in geographic information science are being researched.

      Digital information is also at the forefront of land and water management in the School of Natural Resources, where several digital geographic databases have been set up for a national forest, a New Jersey watershed, and several Ohio counties. The Department of Geography, known for its theoretical and empirical research, also emphasizes such technical specialties as Geographic Information Systems. Research by faculty in the Department of Geography has greatly contributed to the technological infrastructure of public agencies in Ohio and elsewhere.

      Ohio State University is also a member of OhioView, a consortium of eight Ohio universities, US Geological Survey EROS Data Center, NASA Glenn Research Center, OhioLINK, OARnet and the Ohio Supercomputer Center.