Recent wildfires in Southern California, most notably the Saddleridge Fire in the San Fernando Valley and the Sandalwood Fire in Riverside County, serve as reminders that many communities in the state are vulnerable to wildfire hazards.  While all Californians should be adequately prepared for disasters such as earthquakes and wildfires, some communities are more vulnerable to wildfires than others.

As an organization, Geospatial @ UCLA has several primary objectives, among which are (1) fostering the advancement of geographic information science (GIScience) through research, development, and scientific education, and (2) offering educational programs that prepare participants for professional success in the expanding market of jobs focused upon the use and development of geographic information systems (GIS).  The former objective focuses upon the development and application of spatial science research methods to better understanding phenomena in the world around us, a