The University of Minnesota’s GeoCommunities program, funded by RIO, shows why we are the leading “spatial university,” using the digital mapping tools of Esri, the global leader in geographic information systems (GIS). This collaboration is at the heart of our mission to bridge the gap between academic research and community-driven action.
By leveraging Esri’s cutting-edge ArcGIS technology and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework, the GeoCommunities initiative is empowering local leaders to solve complex challenges—from water quality in Minnesota to sustainable waste management in India. As featured in a recent Esri Newsroom spotlight, our partnership focuses on "geodesign": a method that uses spatial data to co-develop resilient, scalable solutions with the communities who need them most.
