Shashi Shekhar, McKnight Distinguished University Professor from the Department of Computer Science at the University of Minnesota, will present two lectures as part of the CSU ISTeC Distinguished Lecturer Series on campus Oct. 19.

Shekhar will discuss “From GPS and Google Maps to Spatial Computing,” during a lecture from 11 a.m. to noon in the Morgan Library Event Hall. This lecture will be preceded by a reception at 10:30 a.m. with refreshments.

In his second talk, Shekhar will discuss “What is special about mining spatial and spatio-temporal datasets?” from 3 to 4 p.m. in Lory Student Center Room 312.

This ISTeC Distinguished Lecture Series is presented in conjunction with the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and the Computer Science Department.

During the first lecture, Shekhar will be discussing how spatial computing has transformed society through pervasive services such as Uber, ubiquitous systems such as spatial database management systems, and pioneering scientific methods such as spatial statistics. He will speak about how these accomplishments may lead the way for breakthroughs such as time-travel, virtual globes, and persistent monitoring of environmental hazards.

The second lecture will address the importance of spatial and spatio-temporal data mining and its applications within subjects of environment and climate, public health, public safety, and public security.

ISTeC is a university-wide organization for promoting, facilitating, and enhancing CSU’s research, education, and outreach activities relating to the application of computer, communication, and information systems.