Welcome!
At the Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence (HSGI) Lab, housed in the Spatial Sciences Institute at the University of Southern California, we work to advance issues of human safety and security through the use of spatially-informed and data-driven approaches to produce actionable information for decision-makers.
The HSGI Lab conducts collaborative research and fieldwork with governmental, non-governmental and human rights practitioners worldwide. Our collaborators include the USC Institute for Creative Technologies, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation.
HSGI News and Events
Attend the LA Geospatial Summit on February 27, 2026
We are excited to announce the 2026 LA Geospatial Summit will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026 at the USC Hotel from 8:30am-3:30pm. This is an exciting event that brings together students, alumni, industry leaders, and partners across the geospatial community. Make sure to register early to secure a seat at this event!
Security Panel Examining Events in Greenland and Venezuela – Feb 2, 2026
Join USC Professors and security studies experts Steve Lamy and Richard Downie on Monday, February 2 from 5-6pm PT in AHF B57J to discuss current events and geopolitical implications of the United States involvement in Venezuela and Greenland.
Attend the USGIF GEOINT Symposium 2026 in Aurora, CO May 3-6, 2026
Join USC faculty and student researchers at the USGIF GEOINT Symposium 2026 in Aurora, CO from May 3-6 to engage with professionals across government, industry, and academia on the critical role of geospatial intelligence across all aspects of a safe and secure society.
What is geospatial intelligence? A geographer explains the powerful melding of maps and data
Professor Ruddell’s publication in The Conversation describes the importance and broad range of geospatial intelligence applications to society.
