Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes-Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

Background
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) partner for research focused on advancing GeoAI-enabled automated landform mapping, expansion of the Landform Reference Ontology using knowledge graphs, and improving Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) summit feature positional accuracy using lidar-derived elevation datasets.

This initiative aligns with several Executive Orders aimed at enhancing national security, scientific innovation, and resource management through improved geospatial data accuracy.

Grant Details
The project involves the following tasks:
1. Advance GeoAI-enabled mapping of specific landforms beyond summit pilot category using image segmentation and region-growing approaches.
2. Expand the Landform Reference Ontology and integrate knowledge graph approaches for semantic landform representation and multimodal querying of The National Map.
3. Improve GNIS summit feature positional and elevation accuracy using lidar point cloud processing and Digital Elevation Model-based snapping methodologies.

The project will also support federal leadership in scientific innovation and geospatial research by integrating emerging analytical methods with national mapping infrastructure.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the Great Lakes – Northern Forest CESU.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance for this cooperative agreement is one year.

Grant Value
The total estimated funding for this project is $29,994, with one award anticipated.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed within the jurisdiction of the Great Lakes-Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.