The sustainable future of human societies depends to a great extent on our ability to reach solutions of co-viability of ecosystems and social organisation. Research applied to such question is usually based on monitoring the state of the health of socio-ecological systems, the changes of this state and the drivers of these changes (natural and anthropic).
Such monitoring is the object of an interdisciplinary and methodological research at the geomatics department. The department undertakes research programs aiming at monitoring and analysing these complex changes of the world, on various spatial and temporal scales. With the contribution of satellite-based spatial observations, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and information technology, people can gain awareness of the environmental changes and the drivers of these changes. In particular, integrative methodological research is to be reinforced for a better assessment of the vulnerability and resilience of territories, ecosystems and local communities to a range of risks induced by natural (ex: sea level rise) and anthropogenic factors (ex: water pollution).
The Geomatics department develops methodological research through, for example, the development and implementation of remote sensing and informatics approaches or the conceptualization and achievement of ways to access and share information on biodiversity and geographical data. The overall objective is a wide dissemination of robust knowledge through peered review publication, applied science and shared web-interfaces. This interdisciplinary research aggregates on three research axes, all transversal to the activities carried out within the department and in collaboration with other departments of the French Institute of Pondicherry.
- Spatial monitoring and observations of vegetation changes in terrestrial and coastal ecosystems using remote sensing (with focus on mangroves)
- Vulnerability of human and natural environments to pressures induced by oceanic processes, climate change and anthropogenic activities (with focus on the Tamil Nadu coast)
- Information technology dedicated to scientific (biodiversity and geographical) data manipulation and knowledge sharing
