Mapping the Future: Dr. Steven Fleming on Geospatial Intelligence, AI, and Innovation at UNG
In a quiet but strategically significant corner of higher education, the University of North Georgia is undergoing a transformation. At the center of this change is Dr. Steven D. Fleming, a retired U.S. Army Colonel turned professor, who is helping redefine how academic institutions prepare students for the complex world of geospatial science, data intelligence, and national security.
In a recent interview on Sanjay Tech Cafe, Dr. Fleming laid out the case for why geospatial science is no longer a niche field — and why institutions like UNG and its Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis (IESA) are crucial to the future of national infrastructure, security, and education.
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Watch the interview: Building the Future of Geospatial Science at UNG: Interview with Dr. Steven FlemingA University on the Move
Under the leadership of a new president, UNG has adopted what it calls “seven big bets” — bold, future-focused initiatives intended to position the university as a leader in workforce development, national service, and STEM innovation.
Dr. Fleming's academic unit, IESA, plays a role in several of those initiatives, particularly in geospatial intelligence and environmental sciences.
UNG’s unique position as one of only a few senior military colleges in the United States adds another dimension to its academic goals.
The school’s deep roots in military education — including a large Corps of Cadets program — create a natural synergy between defense-oriented curricula and the practical needs of federal and local agencies.
Fleming emphasized that the academic offerings at UNG are being strategically designed to complement the state's flagship institutions, like Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia, by filling a critical niche: online, accessible, professionally oriented programs in geospatial and environmental sciences.
A New Master's Program with National Reach
The latest step in that direction is the launch of a fully online Master of Science degree in Spatial Data Science, with a focus on environmental applications and data-driven decision making.
The degree is structured to offer two tracks: a professional track focused on applied coursework, and a thesis track for students aiming to pursue doctoral studies or research-heavy roles.
This initiative is more than just another academic program. It represents a broader shift toward making high-demand, specialized education accessible to a wider audience — including mid-career professionals, military personnel, and government employees who may not have the flexibility to attend traditional, on-campus programs.
Dr. Fleming noted that the initial cohort is intentionally small, between five and ten students, to allow for a carefully managed rollout. But the long-term vision is to grow the program into a national model for applied geospatial education.
GeoAI, Spatial AI, and the Rise of Smart Mapping
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation involved the intersection of artificial intelligence with geospatial analysis. Fleming spoke passionately about the emerging concept of Spatial AI — a term he prefers over the more commonly used “GeoAI.”
While GeoAI refers to geographic artificial intelligence applications, Spatial AI, according to Fleming, expands the scope beyond geographic coordinates to include temporal and contextual dimensions.
“In the future,” he said, “we need to understand the power of place and time, not just location. That’s what will drive AI’s next frontier.”
Fleming believes that the curriculum must keep pace with this evolution. Courses will not only teach students how to use GIS software or run environmental simulations, but also how to integrate prompt-based AI tools like ChatGPT into their analysis.
The goal is to train a new generation of professionals who can ask better questions of both data and machines.
From Space to Simulation
IESA’s future roadmap includes the integration of several advanced academic themes. Space studies — with a focus on orbital mechanics, satellite imaging, and space-based geospatial intelligence — is gaining ground as a high-interest area among students and government agencies alike.
Other initiatives include geodesign (urban analysis and planning), modeling and simulation using spatially accurate datasets, and the inclusion of AI-driven mapping technologies in curriculum development.
Dr. Fleming underscored the challenge ahead: traditional large language models like ChatGPT are trained on textual data, whereas most maps are visual-spatial constructs.
Creating AI systems that can "read" maps as intelligently as they read documents is a frontier yet to be fully crossed.
“We’re not there yet,” he admitted, “but we’re asking the right questions.”
A Military Mindset Meets Civilian Education
A recurring theme in the interview was the influence of Dr. Fleming’s military background on his academic vision.
With three decades of service in the U.S. Army, including roles in air defense and national security, he brings a mission-oriented perspective to education. That translates into course design, pedagogy, and outreach efforts that prioritize real-world impact.
At UNG, this means developing curriculum that supports not only future military leaders, but also professionals in homeland security, law enforcement, public infrastructure, and disaster management.
“Many of our students will go on to serve in organizations like the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or FEMA,” Fleming said. “We’re building academic programs that meet those missions.”
Beyond the Classroom
The interview wrapped with a more personal note. When asked how he spends his time outside of work, Fleming smiled and shared that he remains an avid outdoorsman — hiking, surfing, and bouldering when time and health allow.
A recent knee replacement slowed him down briefly, but his mindset remains as disciplined as ever.
“One of my mottos is: always take the stairs,” he said. “Because one day, you’ll wish you could.”
Why This Matters
In a world increasingly shaped by data, algorithms, and global interdependence, the ability to understand — and act upon — spatial information has never been more vital.
From disaster preparedness to infrastructure planning, from climate monitoring to defense logistics, spatial intelligence sits at the intersection of technology, science, and public policy.
UNG’s Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis, under Dr. Fleming’s guidance, is building the frameworks — academic, technological, and ethical — that will shape how we train the next generation of problem-solvers.
This conversation was not just about one professor or one university. It was a window into how education itself is evolving in response to the demands of a more complex, data-rich world.
To watch the full interview, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk2nELZFHw4
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