The Spatial Analysis & Research Center (SpARC) at UC Merced fosters interdisciplinary research in the spatial sciences and supports education through training and curriculum development.  SpARC is the campus-wide hub for spatial science research, analysis, education, visualization, spatial data archiving, and access to spatial science software and equipment for UC Merced and its partners.  SpARC leads faculty and community partner grants for research and other activities with a spatial aspect and collaborates on ongoing projects.  SpARC also participates in the development of expanded undergraduate and graduate curriculum in geography and spatial sciences.  In addition to research, UC Merced uses GIS to analyze land-use, landscape, circulation and utilities for the growing UC Merced campus.  On campus, SpARC collaborates with SNRI, HSRI, CITRIS, the Great Valley Center, ReCESS/Blum Center, and other centers.  SpARC’s unique niche derives from UC Merced’s proximity to the Sierra Nevada Region and San Joaquin Valley.