The study of the land surface and its modification over time is a major component of global change research. Land cover change impacts climate, biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem function, and the state of human welfare. To study large area land cover dynamics, satellite-based earth observations are required. The Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence (GIScCE) is a new collaboration between SDSU and the USGS/EROS with a focus on the science of earth observation and monitoring. EROS is the world's largest repository of remotely sensed data sets and a renowned center of applied earth science studies. The GIScCE is a research partnership between SDSU faculty and EROS scientists which employs the capabilities of geographic information science (GISc), namely remote sensing, geographic information systems, digital mapping, and geostatistics, to document and understand the changing earth. To achieve this, an interdisciplinary center of study is required, one which utilizes engineering principles to efficiently and accurately process earth observation data, geographic principles to create meaningful thematic depictions of land cover and land use change, and applications which focus on the resultant effects of change on the geosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere. Through the combined resources of many disciplines, the GIScCE seeks to investigate important questions regarding the dynamic earth system. Initial goals of the center include: establishing a solid foundation of teamed Senior Scientists who will compete for research funding, recruit and train additional staff, and expand the center's activities; strengthening educational programs at SDSU by creating opportunities for students to engage in GISc-related research topics while participating in the new Geospatial Science and Engineering PhD program; and expanding training and consulting services to local, national and international clients.