Spatial Data Science Lab of the Chesapeake Conservancy

At the Conservation Innovation Center (CIC), we serve as a catalyst for change, leveraging cutting-edge geospatial data science, artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to tackle pressing environmental and conservation challenges in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Our goal is to transform data into precise and actionable insights that restore and sustain the Bay’s health for current and future generations.
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The CIC has pioneered the use of high-resolution data products to deepen our understanding of both precision-based and landscape-scale conservation. Through strong public and private partnerships, the CIC's insights inform policies and drive targeted project priorities to maximize conservation outcomes. Using evidence-based strategies, quantifiable nature-based climate solutions and advanced analytics, we create innovative tools and analyses that empower evidence-based decision-making. Our approach results in significant and measurable impacts on our environment, safeguarding the vitality of the Chesapeake Bay.

For more information or to talk with our team of experts, email us at cic@miyao2009.com.

What We Do

Open Data

CBP Land Use/Land Cover Data Project

Leveraging aerial imagery, LiDAR elevation data, and machine learning to produce 1-meter resolution land cover maps for precision planning

Open Data

Hyper-Resolution Hydrography (Coming Soon)

Mapping over twice as many stream miles as traditional datasets, this project utilizes hyper-resolution LiDAR and advanced geomorphic analysis to redefine stream channel precision for watershed management.

Open Data

MD DNR Green infrastructure

Partnering with Maryland DNR, we updated the Habitat Connectivity Network, leveraging high-resolution data to map vital natural hubs and corridors, empowering conservation planning for wildlife health and ecosystem resilience.

Open Data

Wetland Mapping

Our deep learning model for wetlands mapping revolutionizes conservation planning with precise wetland probability maps, empowering users to tailor extent thresholds for impactful decision-making.

Web Apps

Conowingo Watershed Implementation Plan (CWIP) BMP Viewer

An interactive tool identifying agricultural and urban forestry best management practices to reduce nitrogen and sediment pollution in the Susquehanna River basin

Web Apps

Collaborative Watershed Mapping Tool v3.0

Lancaster Clean Water Partners identified key metrics to prioritize and map catchments in Lancaster County based on opportunities for restoration.

Web Apps

St. Mary's Solar Web Viewer

Identifying optimal solar sites in St. Mary’s County to balance renewable energy goals with minimal impact on agriculture and the environment.

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Story Maps

Protecting Drinking Water through Land Conservation

A Story Map showcasing a prioritization model for clean water in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle

Story Maps

Maryland Forest Technical Study

Uses high-resolution data to analyze forest and tree canopy change at the local scale and provide a greater understanding of the key drivers of change.

Story Maps

Historically Black Beaches

Story map of 65+ historically Black beaches to aid their preservation and interpretation

CIC

CBP Land Use/Land Cover Data Project

Leveraging aerial imagery, LiDAR elevation data, and machine learning to produce 1-meter resolution land cover maps for precision planning

CIC

Historically Black Beaches

Story map of 65+ historically Black beaches to aid their preservation and interpretation

CIC

Maryland Forest Technical Study

Uses high-resolution data to analyze forest and tree canopy change at the local scale and provide a greater understanding of the key drivers of change.

CIC

Hyper-Resolution Hydrography (Coming Soon)

CIC

MD DNR Green infrastructure

CIC

Wetland Mapping

Our deep learning model for wetlands mapping revolutionizes conservation planning with precise wetland probability maps, empowering users to tailor extent thresholds for impactful decision-making.

CIC

St. Mary's Solar Web Viewer

Identifying optimal solar sites in St. Mary’s County to balance renewable energy goals with minimal impact on agriculture and the environment.

CIC

Collaborative Watershed Mapping Tool v3.0

Lancaster Clean Water Partners identified key metrics to prioritize and map catchments in Lancaster County based on opportunities for restoration.

CIC

Conowingo Watershed Implementation Plan (CWIP) BMP Viewer

An interactive tool identifying agricultural and urban forestry best management practices to reduce nitrogen and sediment pollution in the Susquehanna River basin

CIC

Protecting Drinking Water through Land Conservation

A Story Map showcasing a prioritization model for clean water in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle

Products and Services We Offer

Our team at the CIC is dedicated to providing tailored products and services to meet your unique conservation and data needs. Whether you require advanced geospatial analytics, high-resolution data products, or strategic consulting, we collaborate closely with you to identify the root challenges of your project, ensuring we deliver data-driven solutions that empower your conservation efforts with actionable insights and impactful results.

Areas of Expertise

Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
Precision Conservation & Restoration
Artificial Intelligence/Data Science
Web Applications
Species Distribution Modeling
Land Use Classification
Prioritization Tools

Land Cover Classification
Hydrographic Modeling
Habitat Modeling
Viewshed Modeling
Climate Resilience and Solutions
Real-time Monitoring

Contact Us

We understand every stakeholder - big or small - plays a vital role in the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Explore how our data-driven solutions can benefit your organization, we're here to help.