CLEAR research primarily focuses on the use of remote sensing and related geospatial technologies to characterize, map and analyze Connecticut's changing landscape. This information is then incorporated into one or more of the Center's education programs. Of particular interest to us is the growth of developed land and its impacts on natural resources like water, forest and agriculture. Some CLEAR programs also conduct applied research on topics related to stormwater management, and recently climate change adaptation. See our Water and Land & Climate pages for more information on these projects.
The Projects and Research Archive contains past projects that are still useful.
Changing Landscape
This ongoing Land Cover Change Study tracks changes in the state's landscape over time (1985-2010), with an emphasis on increases in developed land. The study has become a major resource for researchers, agency staff, communities, the public and the press.
Forest Fragmentation
Based on the Connecticut's Changing Landscape (CCL) project, CLEAR researchers developed a model to analyze the land cover change for information on the fragmentation of forest land, the largest component of Connecticut's land cover.
Impervious Surfaces
Riparian
Ag Analysis
Aquaculture Mapping Atlas
Info for shellfish managers and fisherman. A partnership with Connecticut Sea Grant.
N-Sink
A simple tool for local land use managers to explore the relationship between land use and nitrogen
pollution in their waters.
Water Synthesis Projects Project
The following pages contain geospatial and temporal data to show geographic and regional trends in the number of projects as well as financial support for water related topics over time.
Connecticut’s Coast: Then and Now
Comparing carefully aligned, scanned 1934 aerial photos with current aerial images reveals where the Connecticut shoreline has changed over time by both natural forces and human activity.
GIS Coordination for Connecticut
CT's disorganized geographic information is problematic and costly. CT needs a State GIS Center.