Overview

For the past 30 years I have been directly involved in resource inventory, land use mapping, land use planning, and technical education. The application of remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and global positioning systems (GPS) technologies to cultural and environmental issues is my primary professional interest. The projects I have undertaken have ranged from the development of farm management systems to mapping the extent of an invasive plant species across a multi-county region. Recently, I completed a project involving the development of a habitat vulnerability assessment model using a Census-based residential growth allocation model. The results from this project have prompted me to pursue an advanced degree (PhD) in the Department of Natural Resources to further the development of the habitat vulnerability assessment model. As an Extension professional, the focus of my efforts in these applications is toward the dissemination of the knowledge and experiences acquired. Assisting local practitioners in the utilization of these technologies has been a daily process involving workshops and consultations. Recent efforts to increase the use of these technologies within the Cornell Cooperative Extension program have been very successful. For the next few years, IRIS, through a new geospatial literacy initiative, will provide GPS and GIS curriculum, support, and equipment to 4-H Summer Camp and after-school programs to educate and engage youth.

Research Focus

Ongoing applied research efforts focus on the application of remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and global positioning systems (GPS) technologies to cultural and environmental issues and provide a framework for the development of training material and professional linkages. The projects I have undertaken have ranged from the development of farm management systems to mapping the extent of an invasive plant species across a multi-county region, utilizing both aerial photographic interpretation and satellite image processing methodologies.

Outreach and Extension Focus

Extension activities involve education and assistance in the use and appropriate application of geospatial technologies such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and global positioning systems (GPS). Activities include hands-on consulting, managing applied research projects, small technical workshops, and informational presentations. Stakeholders include tribal groups, state agencies and programs, town and county staff, non-governmental organizations, 4-H youth and educators.

Additional Links

• Institute for Resource Information Sciences
• Link to CALS Research portal
• Link to CALS Impact statements

Selected Publications

• Laba, M., S.D. Smith, M.E. Richmond, E.M. Barnaba, R. Downs, S. Hoskins, S. Welsh, D. Klinger, 2006. Discriminating and mapping invasive plant species using advanced remote sensing technology, final report, NOAA/UNH Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology, NOAA Grant #NA03NOS4190195, Durham, NH.
• Chowell, G., A.L. Rivas, S.D. Smith, and J.M. Hyman. 2006. Identification of case clusters and counties with high infective connectivity in the 2001 epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease in Uruguay. American Journal of Veterinary Research, Vol 67, No. 1.
• Smith, S.D., W.A. Brown, C.R. Smith, and M.E. Richmond, 2005. Habitat vulnerability assessment in the Hudson River Valley, USGS GAP Analysis Program, GAP Analysis Bulletin, No. 13, 37-43, Moscow, ID.
• Laba, M, F. Tsai, D. Ogurcak, S.D. Smith, and M E. Richmond, 2005. Use of derivative analysis for the spectral discrimination of invasive wetland plant species. Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, Vol. 71, No. 5, 603-611.
• Smith, S.D., W.A. Brown, C.R. Smith, and M.E. Richmond, 2005. Habitat vulnerability assessment in the Hudson River Valley, USGS GAP Analysis Program, GAP Analysis Bulletin, No. 13, 37-43, Moscow, ID
• Smith, S.D., W.A. Brown, C.R. Smith, and M.E. Richmond, 2004. Habitat vulnerability assessment for the Hudson River Valley, final report, Hudson River Foundation, New York, NY.
• Laba, M., S. Smith, and M. E. Richmond, 2004. Purple loosestrife research and mapping for the Hudson River Valley study area, final report, New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
• Rivas, A.L., S.J. Schwager, S.D. Smith, A. Magri. 2004. Early and cost-effective identification of high risk/priority control areas in foot-and-mouth disease epidemics, Journal of Veterinary Medicine, B 51, 263-271.
• Rivas, A.L., S.D. Smith, P.J. Sullivan, B. Gardner, J.P. Aparicio, A. Hoogesteijn, C. Castillo-Ch?vez. 2003. Identification of geographical factors associated with early epidemic spread in the context of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, American Journal of Veterinary Research, Vol. 64, No. 12, 1519-1527.
• Smith, C.R., S.D. DeGloria, M.E. Richmond, S.K. Gregory, M. Laba, S.D. Smith, J.L. Braden, E.H. Fegraus, E.A. Hill, D.E. Ogurcak, and J.T. Weber. 2001. A Gap Analysis of New York NY-GAP. Final Report and Data. U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, National Gap Analysis Office, Moscow, ID. 2-disc CD set (issued October 2001).
• Laba, M., S.D. Smith, S.D. DeGloira.1997. Landsat-based land cover mapping in the Lower Yuna River watershed in the Dominican Republic, International Journal of Remote Sensing, Vol. 18, No. 14, 3011-3025.

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