The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the upcoming Critical Approaches to Geospatial Research in Canada course. This innovative professional learning opportunity is designed for students, researchers, government employees, Indigenous organizations, non-profit practitioners, and industry professionals interested in examining the social, ethical, and political dimensions of geospatial technologies and data.

As geospatial technologies become increasingly integrated into research, policy development, environmental management, and decision-making, there is a growing need to understand not only how these tools are used, but also the broader implications of their application. This course provides participants with an opportunity to critically engage with contemporary geospatial practices in the Canadian context while exploring questions of power, representation, data governance, equity, and inclusion.

Through a combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, and applied learning activities, participants will explore key topics related to geographic information systems (GIS), mapping, spatial data, Indigenous geographies, participatory approaches, and responsible geospatial research. The course encourages learners to reflect on how geospatial knowledge is produced, whose perspectives are represented, and how geospatial technologies can be applied in ways that support ethical, collaborative, and community-centered outcomes.

Participants will gain valuable insights into current debates and emerging practices shaping geospatial research across Canada. The program emphasizes critical thinking and practical application, helping learners develop the skills needed to evaluate and implement geospatial approaches in academic, government, community, and professional settings.

By the end of the course, participants will have developed a deeper understanding of critical geospatial research principles and will be better equipped to engage with geospatial data and technologies in thoughtful, responsible, and socially informed ways.

Spaces are limited, and early registration is encouraged. For full details on course content, schedule, fees, and registration information, visit the official course page:

Critical Approaches to Geospatial Research in Canada | ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University

Stay tuned for more professional development and continuing education opportunities from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.

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The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the upcoming UAV Mapping & Geospatial Analytics Bootcamp. This intensive professional training opportunity is designed for students, researchers, government employees, and industry professionals seeking practical experience in drone-based geospatial data collection, processing, and analysis.

This hands-on bootcamp provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to UAV (drone) mapping workflows, from mission planning and data acquisition through to the creation of geospatial products and analytics. Participants will gain valuable experience using industry-standard tools and techniques to transform drone imagery into actionable information for a wide range of applications.

Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises, learners will explore key concepts in UAV operations, photogrammetry, remote sensing, mapping, and spatial analysis. The program emphasizes real-world applications and practical skills development, helping participants build confidence in using UAV technologies to support environmental monitoring, infrastructure assessment, resource management, and other geospatial projects.

By the end of the bootcamp, participants will have developed a strong understanding of UAV mapping workflows and geospatial analytics techniques, along with hands-on experience working with drone-derived data products.

Spaces are limited, and early registration is encouraged. For full details on course content, schedule, fees, and registration information, visit the official course page:

UAV Mapping & Geospatial Analytics Bootcamp | ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University

Stay tuned for more professional development and continuing education opportunities from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.

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Peter Pulsifer from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies has been awarded €97,937 through Pillar II of , the European Union’s flagship program for research and innovation, to support enhanced observation in the Arctic.

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The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the upcoming GeoAI: Introduction to Deep Learning with Geospatial Data mini-course. This professional development opportunity is designed for students, researchers, and industry professionals interested in leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to work with complex spatial data.

This hands-on course introduces participants to the rapidly growing field of GeoAI, with a strong focus on practical workflows and real-world applications. Unlike many traditional AI courses, it emphasizes the unique challenges and opportunities associated with geospatial data, helping learners build the skills needed to apply deep learning techniques in environmental research and industry contexts.

Participants will explore key concepts in geospatial data processing, machine learning, and deep learning, while gaining experience with tools and methods commonly used in GeoAI projects. By the end of the course, learners will be better equipped to tackle spatial problems using advanced analytical approaches.

Spaces are limited, and early registration is encouraged. For full details on course content, schedule, and fees, and to secure your spot, visit the official course page: /geography/geoai-mini-course/

Stay tuned for more professional development offerings from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.

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We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our 2025/2026 graduates. This milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and resilience. Each of you has demonstrated a commitment to excellence—whether in the classroom, in research, through experiential learning opportunities, or within your communities—and your accomplishments are a true reflection of that dedication.

Reaching this point is no small feat. Along the way, you have navigated challenges, embraced new opportunities, and grown both personally and academically. Your perseverance has carried you through moments of uncertainty and inspired you to keep moving forward. Today, we recognize not only the completion of your programs but also the journey that brought you here.

As you step into the next chapter, we are confident that you will continue to make meaningful contributions in your chosen paths. Whether you are pursuing further studies, beginning your careers, or exploring new directions, the knowledge, skills, and experiences you have gained will serve as a strong foundation for the future.

We extend our warmest congratulations to each graduate and wish you continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in all that lies ahead. We look forward to seeing the impact you will make in the world.

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Assistant Professor Meera Karunananthan (Department of Geography and Environmental Studies) has recently published a new article in The Conversation examining Ontario’s proposed water and sanitation legislation.

In the article, she explores how the Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act could shift control of municipal water systems to arm’s-length corporations, raising concerns about diminished public oversight and the potential for increased private investment in public water infrastructure—a process often described as “financialization.�

Karunananthan highlights that these changes could transform water systems into assets geared toward generating profit, potentially impacting their public health mandate and long-term sustainability.

Read the full article:

Karunananthan also shared her expertise at a webinar held on May 21, joining speakers from Environmental Defence Canada and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment to discuss the broader implications of the legislation and ongoing advocacy efforts.

To learn more or get involved, visit:

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Dr. Emilie Cameron, Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies & Fiona Doyle, MA, Institute of Political Economy, released a report today about how mining projects are being assessed and approved in unceded Kaska Dena territory, Yukon.

The study found that the Yukon Government approved every project for which it issued a decision document, even in cases where impacts to threatened caribou herds were predicted to be severe or “unmitigable.�

These two maps illustrate a key finding of the report.

The first map was produced by Yukon’s impact assessment board. It was used to argue that the proposed mineral exploration site, shown here in red, would have almost no impact on available caribou habitat, shown in brown cross-hatch.

The second map, produced by Fiona Doyle (co-author of the report), drawing on Yukon’s own data, shows the actual available habitat at the time, and the cumulative impact of multiple projects across the herd’s range.

The project was approved, along with every other project we studied. Full report at /geography/yukon-mining-report-may-2026/

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in Unceded Kaska Dena Territory, Yukon appeared first on Geography and Environmental Studies.

Last summer, Environmental Studies student Joey Slinger had the seed of a great idea. All he needed was the support to help it grow.

Joey was one of five undergraduate students across the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences selected for a 2025 ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University Research Opportunity Program (CUROP) internship. CUROP interns receive a $10,000 stipend to help cover costs as they design and complete their own research project over the summer term.

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On March 25, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University’s Graduate Studies hosted its annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, where graduate students are challenged to present their research in a compelling and accessible format in under three minutes.

We are proud to congratulate DGES graduate students Sarah Lavallée and Josie Mallett for presenting at the 3MT. Special mention goes to Josie Mallett on earning 3rd place at this year’s competition.

Sarah Lavallée, Geography master’s of arts student: ““

Third Place: Josie Mallett, Geography master’s of science student.

The 3MT competition showcases the depth and diversity of graduate research at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ while strengthening students’ ability to communicate complex ideas to a broad audience. Sarah and Josie’s achievement reflects both the excellence of their research and their ability to engage and inform beyond academic circles.

Congratulations to both Sarah and Josie on their outstanding presentations!

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