SURREAL Lab – Simulating Resilient Landscapes
University of Victoria | Department of Geography
The Surreal Lab is a research group focused on using geospatial and digital technologies to understand, represent, and simulate complex landscapes. Our work brings together environmental science, spatial analysis, and data-driven modelling to examine how landscapes function, how they change, and how they may evolve under future pressures.
Across our research, we use digital tools to move beyond static maps toward integrated representations of landscapes that support analysis, simulation, and decision-making. We work across natural and human-influenced systems, with a strong emphasis on applied research that informs conservation, land management, and climate adaptation.
A core part of the Surreal Lab’s mission is training undergraduate and graduate students. Students develop hands-on skills in geospatial technologies, modelling, and data analysis while working on real-world projects with government, industry, and community partners. Our goal is to prepare students to contribute meaningfully to today’s evolving digital economy.
What We Do
At the Surreal Lab, we use digital technologies to move beyond static maps and snapshots of the world.
Our research focuses on three connected activities:
- Capturing landscapes using geospatial data such as GIS, remote sensing, LiDAR, and field observations
- Representing systems through integrated models that reveal relationships across space, time, and scale
- Simulating futures to explore how landscapes may respond to change, disturbance, and management decisions
Together, these approaches allow us to examine how landscapes can support multiple objectives — ecological integrity, risk reduction, and community needs — in a rapidly changing environment.
Core Research Areas
Geospatial Innovation & Digital Futures
We explore how emerging digital technologies — including integrated geospatial systems and digital twins — are changing how landscapes, cities, and infrastructure are understood and managed. This work includes research on workforce skills, training pathways, and the role of universities in supporting Canada’s growing digital economy.
Wildlife & Forest Conservation
Our conservation research focuses on southern Vancouver Island, where we work with communities and partners to monitor wildlife, assess habitat conditions, and support evidence-based conservation planning. Using spatial data and field-based approaches, we help translate complex ecological information into actionable insights.
Forest Health, Wildfire Risk & Climate Change
In collaboration with regional partners, including the Capital Regional District, we develop forest simulation models to examine forest health under wildfire risk and a changing climate. This work supports long-term planning by testing how different management strategies may influence future forest conditions.
Training & Talent Development
A core part of the Surreal Lab’s mission is growing talent.
Undergraduate and graduate students in the lab gain hands-on experience with geospatial technologies, modelling, and applied research. Students develop skills in GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and data science, while working on real-world projects with government, industry, and community partners.
Our goal is to prepare students to contribute meaningfully to today’s digital economy — as researchers, analysts, planners, and decision-makers.
Partners & Impact
Surreal Lab research is grounded in collaboration. We work closely with regional governments, conservation organizations, and industry partners to ensure our research addresses real-world challenges and informs practice.
Our projects are designed not only to advance academic knowledge, but to support practical planning, policy, and land management decisions.
Call to Action
Interested in our work?
Learn more about our projects, meet the team, or explore opportunities to work with the Surreal Lab.