A group of young professionals engaged in planning A group of young professionals engaged in planning

Geography, Planning, and Sustainability

Examine the relationship between people and the environment.

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Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability

We are driven by a shared purpose to use the tools of geography, geographic information science, urban planning, and sustainability to address pressing issues that impact our communities, our cities and our world.

Our students investigate how people and the environment interact on the Earth's surface, how cities are planned for a diversifying society, how forest fires can be addressed, how spatial data science is used to inform complex conservation efforts and so much more!
 

Research Interests Include:

  • Urban Revitalization and Resilience
  • Globalization and International Development
  • Landscape Ecology
  • Affordable Housing
  • Remote Sensing, GIS, and Spatial Statistics
  • Global Carbon Cycle
  • Hazardous Materials Transport
  • Industrial Innovation
  • Navigation System Design
  • Augmented Reality Applications in GIS
  • Global Political Economy
in the field
Recent News
Paul Tonko, UAlbany and community leaders stand in front of the UAlbany greenhouse holding up an ITECA sign.
UAlbany Launches Student-Run Tree Nursery to Improve Urban Forests
Ahead of Earth Day, the University at Albany announced funding for a new student-run tree nursery that will help boost climate resilience and urban forestry in the Capital Region.
Associate Dean for Social Sciences Rui Li sits in front of computers wearing a grey suit jacket.
5 Questions with Rui Li: Exploring Geographic Information Systems
We caught up with Rui Li to learn about his background and the future of geospatial technologies.
Statue of UAlbany's Minerva
StAR Grants Fund 17 Initiatives that Spotlight Research Excellence and Public Impact
The University at Albany will award $500,000 during the 2025-2026 academic year to 17 initiatives that reflect the University’s academic and research excellence and address real-world challenges. Designed to create opportunities that further enhance the strategic priorities of the University, the Strategic Allocation of Resources (StAR) program provides resources and funding to projects that drive innovation and make meaningful societal contributions.
A researcher collects a sample from a test tube at The RNA Institute.
UAlbany Researchers Make Top 2% Worldwide List
More than 40 researchers from the University at Albany have been ranked among the world’s top researchers, according to a Stanford University study published annually through Elsevier.
Student walking past uptown campus fountain
What Local Leaders Need to Know about Cannabis Policy - Panel Discussion - October 15
Professor David Banks will host a panel on cannabis policy that will be moderated by the Times Union’s managing editor Brendan Lyons. The event will be presented by the Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability on Tuesday, October 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Campus Center West Boardroom on the UAlbany Uptown Campus.

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Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability, College of Arts and Sciences
Arts and Sciences 218

1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
United States

Email
[email protected]
Phone
518-442-4636
Office Hours


Academic Year
On site: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Virtual: By email or phone, on Thursdays. Appointments preferred.

Summer and Winter Break
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.