GIScience and Viticulture

vineyardDr. Jeffrey Colby,with the assistance of graduate and undergraduate students, have initiated an effort to develop GIS-based site suitability models for locating vineyards in North Carolina. This application of GIS to viticulture, the science of growing grapes, complements a larger research agenda here at ASU. The Appalachian State Enology Group (ASEG) recently received a $1 million dollar federal grant to develop the Appalachian Enology and Viticulture Services Center. We have begun exploring the use of GIS, remote sensing, and GPS technologies for implementing site suitability models. Anticipated future research includes the application of geographic information science (GIScience) and technologies to assist in enhancing vineyard management, and economic development strategies.