Baton Rouge, LA, September 21, 2026: The Awards Committee of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) and the ASPRS Foundation announce a new Geospatial Research Grant for the 2027 application cycle. The initial grant will be funded at a maximum $25,000 level, with potential for a second-year funding at the same level if proposed and the awardee’s stated project milestones are being met.
This grant is designed to support research by graduate students pursuing degrees in the geospatial sciences at the Master’s and PhD levels, with preference given to PhD students. Preference is also given to those students planning on a career in teaching.
The grant has been established through the very generous pledge by an anonymous donor from the ASPRS community, with the full endowment level set to eventually reach a minimum of $1.25 Million by 2028. Approximately 75% of the initial total funding amount has already been received. Annual available grant funds will rise to a minimum of $50,000 once the endowment is fully funded.
The grant’s purpose is to honor the donor’s parents and family who supported the pursuit of advanced degrees, thereby enabling a subsequent career in geospatial information research and development. The donor’s name will become public upon their passing.
An eligible candidate who wishes to be considered for this grant must submit an on-line application in response to the forthcoming solicitation that includes the following items:
- A listing of courses taken and to be taken in geospatial information and related technologies, recognizing that instruction in geospatial science is often embedded in courses taught in many different disciplines.
- An unofficial transcript of all college/university level courses completed and grades received to demonstrate scholastic ability. If selected for funding, an official transcript will be requested.
- A listing of internships, special projects or work experience; technical papers, research reports or other documents; courses taught as a lecturer or teaching assistant; presentations made that may support the applicant’s capabilities in this field; and memberships in related professional societies.
- Two letters of recommendation or reference forms from faculty members or professionals having direct knowledge of the applicant’s capabilities (demonstrated or potential).
- A statement, not to exceed two pages, detailing the applicant’s research goals that relate to the advancement of geospatial information and related technologies and the applications of these technologies.
- A detailed budget and description of how the Grant funds will be used, consistent with the constraints included in the forthcoming solicitation. The planned purpose will be a factor in the selection process. The budget must be provided using the Geospatial Science Research Grant Budget Template included with the solicitation document. The one (or two-year) budget, noting that the total cannot exceed $25,000 per year and that the funding in year two is conditional on performance in year one, will be one of several key factors considered in evaluating the grant proposal.
- The name of a faculty member, preferably the applicant’s major advisor, who can serve as the institution’s Principal Investigator (PI) for this grant, with the understanding that the student is responsible for budget spending decisions and progress reporting.
- If generative AI tools were used to conceptualize, develop, or write the application for this grant, the Artificial Intelligence Disclosure (AID) Framework referenced in the solicitation must be utilized to provide a concise and standardized disclosure. AID statements must also be used in future reports once the grant is awarded.
The formal solicitation, and further information and application details, will be available on the ASPRS website.
About ASPRS
Established in 1934, the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) is a scientific association serving over 2,000 professional members around the world, providing its members professional development through education and networking experiences, professional certification, publications, scholarships, and other services. ASPRS advances the knowledge and improves understanding of mapping sciences to promote the responsible applications of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and supporting technologies.
About The ASPRS Foundation
Established in 1979, the ASPRS Foundation is a tax-exempt organization with the primary purpose to advance the understanding and use of spatial data for the betterment of humankind and the effective operation of public and private organizations. The Foundation’s mission is to establish an extensive and broadly-based program that provides grants, scholarships, loans and other forms of aid to individuals or organizations pursuing knowledge of imaging and geospatial information science and technology, and their applications across the scientific, governmental, and commercial sectors. A key goal of the Foundation is to fully endow all existing ASPRS awards and scholarships in a manner that, at a minimum, keeps up with inflation. For more information, contact Info@asprsfoundation.org
