
I’m Edward Spiezio-Runyon,
a planetary GIS researcher.
What is Planetary GIS?
It’s the application of geospatial technologies using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to study and analyze celestial bodies beyond Earth, such as planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
It involves collecting, managing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data — like topographic maps, geological features, and atmospheric conditions — to create a comprehensive understanding of these extraterrestrial environments. This field is essential in space exploration, helping scientists map terrain, identify landing sites, and uncover the mysteries of the solar system and beyond.
What do I do?
I analyze the Martian subsurface with radar and geospatial techniques in the search for water.
My capstone mapped 35 large-scale subsurface structures meeting the criteria for further study as potential sources of water-ice on Mars.