Drake Environmental Intelligence & Geospatial Lab — Donor Opportunity
A Proposed Endowed Initiative

Every environmental challenge has a geography.

Floodwater does not affect every block equally. Heat concentrates where shade is scarce. Water-quality problems begin upstream and cross boundaries. The Drake Environmental Intelligence & Geospatial Lab will give students the tools to turn data into decisions that build healthier, more resilient communities across Iowa.

85+
Projected days above 90°F per summer in Des Moines by end of century under high emissions — up from 22 historically
2x
Heavy downpours are already twice as frequent in Iowa as a century ago, projected to increase 50% further
8 of 20
Des Moines neighborhoods bear high or critical environmental justice burdens, with unequal tree canopy, heat exposure, and flood risk
The Challenge

Iowa's environmental future demands spatial intelligence.

Communities increasingly need accessible, trustworthy analysis to respond to climate risk, water and land-use pressures, and unequal environmental conditions. Yet many local governments, nonprofits, and community groups lack the technical capacity to turn data into clear, actionable decisions.

85+ days
Des Moines is projected to experience more than 85 days per summer above 90°F by end of century — essentially the entire summer. The historical baseline was 22 days.
Source: Union of Concerned Scientists
1,300 blocks
City blocks inundated in Des Moines during the 2008 flood alone. Heavy rainfall events are projected to increase 50% by end of century, threatening infrastructure and vulnerable neighborhoods.
Source: UCS; FEMA records
8 of 20
Des Moines neighborhoods face high or critical environmental justice burdens. Lower-income and minority communities experience greater heat exposure, less tree canopy, and higher pollution.
Source: EPA EJScreen methodology; Census ACS
Proof of Concept

What students could build.

This interactive dashboard demonstrates the kind of analysis the Lab would produce. Drake students would combine field data, public datasets, and community knowledge to create maps, charts, and tools that inform real decisions. Explore three critical dimensions below.

Days Above 90°F: History & Projection
Des Moines · Historical record and UCS climate projections
What This Reveals
Des Moines has already seen summers with 60+ days above 90°F. By mid-century, that could become the norm rather than the exception.
Heat Vulnerability vs Tree Canopy
Neighborhoods with less canopy face higher heat risk
How Students Could Use This
A student team could identify which blocks need tree planting most urgently, quantify the cooling benefit, and help the city prioritize canopy investments where they protect the most vulnerable residents.
Heavy Rainfall Frequency Trend
Days with 2+ inches of rain · Index relative to 1900s baseline
What This Reveals
Heavy downpours are already twice as frequent as a century ago and projected to increase another 50% by end of century, straining stormwater infrastructure and threatening vulnerable neighborhoods.
Flood Event History
Major flooding events · City blocks inundated
How Students Could Use This
.fe-block-yui_3_17_2_1_1789788892529_4187 { --opacity: 100%; --translate-x: 0px; --translate-y: 0px; --rotation: 0deg; --scale-x: 100%; --scale-y: 100%; --skew-x: 0deg; --skew-y: 0deg; --origin-x: 50%; --origin-y: 50%; --block-transform: none; opacity: var(--opacity, 1); transform: var(--block-transform); transform-origin: var(--origin-x) var(--origin-y); }

01
Discovery

02
Analysis

03
Strategy Design

Get Started