The mobile maps people depend on every day to reach a destination, check traffic and understand their surroundings are powered by geomatics sciences, not just roads and turn-by-turn directions.
It is a fast-evolving science powered by massive amounts of data, artificial intelligence and everyday people who contribute information as citizen scientists. That is where Levente Juhász has made his mark, drawing attention not only from academic peers but also from industry professionals from companies such as Meta seeking his expertise. Now, as an assistant professor of geospatial analytics at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), his pioneering work has earned him international recognition as the recipient of the 2026 Young Investigator Award.
Presented by the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing International Journal of Geo-Information, the award recognizes early-career scientists making significant contributions to geographic information science and related fields, recognizing both innovation and impact in a rapidly evolving discipline.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition. Receiving this award while building my lab at UF/IFAS validates our approach to geospatial science,” he said. “It provides a vital platform to push the boundaries of our field and ensures our research contributes to solving global challenges.”
Juhász’s research focuses on the intersection of geospatial data, AI and human-centered mapping systems. His work explores how crowdsourced data and emerging technologies can improve spatial analysis, decision-making and real-world applications, from urban planning to disaster response. Currently he is establishing the Geospatial Analytics, Technology and Open Research (GATOR) Laboratory to serve as a world-class center for spatial data science.
“I have known Dr. Juhász for more than 10 years and have had the privilege of supervising him during his doctoral training in the geomatics science program at the University of Florida,” said Henry Hochmair, professor of geomatics at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, where Juhász is now based. “Since that time, I have witnessed his exceptional growth into a highly respected and independent researcher.”
His growing international reputation is echoed by nominators beyond UF/IFAS.
“Ever since I got to know Levente in the early 2010s, he has been consistently at the forefront of digital geography and geospatial research,” said Peter Mooney, associate professor of computer science at Maynooth University in Ireland. “He has worked with topics that cross disciplinary boundaries, require insightful and innovative methodologies and have direct impact for researchers, scientists and citizens.”
His range of research topics spans from crowdsourcing and volunteered geographic information to geospatial decision support to the effects and impacts of large language models and generative AI, positions Levente as a leading global investigator.
As geospatial technologies continue to influence everything from navigation apps to global research, Juhász’s work underscores the growing importance of understanding not just where things are, but how data about those places are created, shared and used.
“His scholarship has attracted attention beyond academia,” Hochmair said. “His work on cartographic vandalism and geographic ‘Null islands’ has had tangible influence in the mapping industry, with organizations such as Meta seeking his expertise.”
The growing reach of Juhász’s work has attracted more than $1.6 million in external funding. Among his most notable projects is his role in a multi-institution collaboration that secured $750,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop a geospatial decision-support tool for coastal resiliency.
His research has also been supported by the National Park Service and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, among others. These awards represent the cumulative total of his externally funded research as both principal investigator and co‑principal investigator.
In addition to his research, Juhász is recognized for his leadership and service within the scientific community, including peer review, editorial roles and contributions to international conferences.
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By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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