Geomatics and Remote Sensing
Our group works at the intersection of geomatics, remote sensing, and machine learning to better understand and monitor environmental changes. We use satellite, historical aerial imagery, and drone data for topographic analysis of glacial and periglacial environments. Our work also involves developing methods to automate the processing and analysis of geospatial and time-series data, using tools such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS), geospatial programming, and Geospatial Artificial intelligence (GeoAI). This group is part of the Quaternary and Paleoclimate Research Group.
About the research group
Remote sensing is reshaping how we study Earth’s surface, providing insight into the rapid geophysical changes in a warming climate. From monitoring glacier dynamics to assessing natural hazards, it enables precise, large-scale analysis of some of the planet’s most sensitive environments.
Our research connects geomatics, remote sensing, and machine learning to better understand and monitor environmental change. We develop methods for handling and analyzing geospatial and time-series data, using tools such as GIS, programming, and Geospatial Artificial intelligence (GeoAI).
A central focus is the study of glaciers, rock glaciers, and natural hazards. To track how these landscapes evolve, we utilise uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs / drones), satellite data, historical aerial photographs, LiDAR, and GIS to map, measure, and model the Earth’s surface in 3D. We are using Geospatial intellegence (GeoAI) to characterise and better understand cryospheric environments.
Our research group has projects in several high-mountain regions both in Norway and around the world, including the Himalayas, Chile and New Zealand. By linking field observations with cutting-edge technology, we deepen scientific understanding of Earth’s changing systems and provide knowledge that supports society in responding to the challenges of a rapidly changing climate.
Research infrastructure & topics:
Relevant courses at UiB
- Practical Skills in Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis (GEOV316)
- Geographical Information Systems: Theory and Practice (GEOV205)
- Field and Laboratory Course in Quarternary Geology (GEOV336)
- Glaciology (GEOV325a)
- Field Geomatics (GEOV281)
Projects
CO-INVENT
A Collaborative Study of Cryo-Climatology in the Glaciated Himalayan Region
In collaboration with IIT Roorkee and JNU New Delhi, this project focuses on cryo-climatology research and education in the Indian Himalayas. Accelerated glacier retreat here poses major hydrological, climatic, and societal challenges, affecting nearly three billion people dependent on meltwater resources.
The project trains students in cutting-edge tools and technologies for cryosphere research through structured programs, mentorship, and international exchanges. Each year, two master’s and two PhD students take part in two-month exchanges, short field visits, and conferences to enhance collaboration and professional development. The project will also organize summer and winter schools, as well as a final symposium, to strengthen collaboration and share results.
CO-INVENT adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating glaciology, hydrology, climatology, and social sciences. Using field observations, satellite data, drone surveys, and machine learning, it seeks to generate new insights into glacier, snow, and permafrost dynamics.
By tackling the complex challenges of Himalayan cryosphere change, CO-INVENT strengthens scientific collaboration and contributes to global efforts to address climate impacts in high-mountain regions.
- Leh Summer School 2026 (more info coming soon)
SnowAI
Enhancing Snow Property Estimation with GeoAI and High-Resolution Satellite Data
This project employs time-series data from freely available SAR and optical satellite imagery within a GeoAI framework to predict snowpack properties in Western Norway. It also explores the impacts of snowpack variability on the cryosphere and biosphere. These insights support hydropower, ecology, tourism, and hazard management in a changing climate.
JOSTICE
Natural and societal consequences of climate-forced changes of Jostedalsbreen Ice Cap
The JOSTICE project focuses on changes in mass balance, runoff, ice volume, and local climate of Jostedalsbreen, and the societal impacts on hydropower production, tourism, and agriculture. This includes geomatics-based monitoring, geophysics and modelling.
Read more about the project here: https://jostice.no/
Available Master's projects
A broad range of master’s thesis topics is available. Key themes include glacier change detection and geodetic mass balance, snow dynamics from remote sensing, changes in glacier surface characteristics, and automated mapping using deep learning (and more).
Click here for updated list of Master's projects.
People
Permanent staff
Benjamin Aubrey Robson Associate Professor, Geomatics and Remote Sensing - Focus on glacial/periglacial environments
PhDs
Julien Vadnais PhD Candidate - GeoAI for natural hydrocarbon seepage analysis using SAR imagery
Yiyao Chen PhD Candidate – Snow-depth predictions using GeoAI and time-series analysis.
Daniel Thomas PhD Candidate – GeoAI mapping of rock glaciers.
Elise Kjørholt Lie PhD Candidate - SnowAI
MSc Students
Silje Fortun Slettemoen Semi-automated geomorphological mapping methods - Eastern Himalaya
Ingrid Jørgensen Valstad Decadal and Seasonal Geodetic Mass Balance Monitoring of Storbrean, from UAV-, LiDAR, Historical aerial and satellite data
Brage Nilsen Transferable machine learning for rock glacier mapping
Siri Tungland Cryospheric change in the Indian Himalaya determined by geomatics and quaternary mapping
Bjørnar Bukholm Modelling of Glacier Lake Outburst Floods at Southern Folgefonna