NLT provides a full range of services to support cutting-edge scientific research in geospatial & data science.
New Light Technologies, Inc. (NLT) continuously works to ensure successful implementation of basic and applied research — including full-lifecycle research design, identification of required datasets (including open-source data), data pre-processing and preparation, and evaluation of optimal technologies and methodologies that best fit the research objectives. For over a decade, NLT team members have provided large-scale research and development, production, and management support for various organizations, including government customers, academic institutions, private companies, and international organizations.
Over the last 10 years, NLT team members have provided research and development support services to the U.S. Census Bureau's Center for Economic Studies and the Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) program, which delivers the nation's premier source for detailed statistics about the local workforce and develops national economic data products concerning the U.S. labor market — including the Quarterly Workforce Indicators (QWI), LEHD Origin-Destination Employment Statistics (LODES), Job-to-Job Flows (J2J), and other restricted-use microdata available to researchers through the Federal Statistical Research Data Centers (RDC).
NLT's team of economists, geographers, statisticians, and computer scientists has long provided integral support and guidance for the ongoing research, development, and production of these data. This support includes the design of robust statistical and data-matching methodologies, along with review and implementation of methods such as imputation, noise infusion, and synthetic data modeling, and the development of quality tests for identifying data issues and validating enhancements. These data products form a crucial part of today's federal statistical infrastructure, currently supporting a plethora of federal, state, and local decision-making as well as research initiatives conducted by NLT-affiliated researchers from leading US academic institutions in computer science, economics, and business administration. These data and research were featured in the Annual Report of the Council of Economic Advisers and the Economic Report of the President.
NLT science staff and affiliated scientists participate in a wide range of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing research projects. NLT's broad information technology expertise and partnerships — including with open-source software providers — allow us to incorporate these technologies and methodologies into innovative scientific research initiatives that enable high-quality geospatial analysis, data management, and visualization. For example, an ongoing research project in collaboration with several major universities evaluates the best approaches for defining urban markets based on economic activity detected by satellite imagery. Preliminary results have been published by The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).
Additionally, NLT has provided research support to the World Bank Group, one of the world's largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. NLT's scientists work with several divisions at the World Bank, supporting and guiding the implementation of geospatial solutions and state-of-the-art technology for the Bank's routine research and development. Some projects include: (1) the application of machine learning and remote sensing analysis of satellite imagery to measuring land cover and land use changes; (2) development of methodologies and workflows to exploit satellite imagery to detect unregistered parcels and informal structures; (3) geocoding the locations of firms and establishments in the developing world; and (4) using nighttime light data to measure the effects of new transportation corridors on local and regional economic development.
"NLT is committed not only to being an integral part of today's scientific community, but also to training the next generation of data scientists and preparing them for a competitive job market," said NLT's Chief Scientist. For example, NLT has partnered with the School of Global Policy and Strategy at UC San Diego and is working with other universities across the United States to offer a unique summer internship for students who want hands-on experience in research related to remote sensing, big data, climate, and economic development. In the summer of 2017, two recent graduate students used innovative analytical tools to evaluate how hurricanes disrupt local economic activity and how storm-related damage affects regional growth trajectories.
NLT has also partnered with General Assembly, where students in the data science and visualization immersive program were challenged to develop innovative, data-driven solutions for disaster support and relief during major events. This project expanded in 2018 and 2019 to include 10 of General Assembly's campuses across the US. During a recent joint webinar, selected student teams presented their work to leaders in the government and private sectors, with a goal of expanding existing research methods and techniques to enhance emergency preparedness and response using lean-startup approaches.
About New Light Technologies
New Light Technologies (NLT) is a Washington, DC-based firm with 25+ years of experience delivering:
- Geospatial systems and enterprise GIS
- Cloud-native data platforms
- AI/ML and advanced analytics
- DevSecOps and cybersecurity solutions
NLT supports federal, state, and international organizations in operationalizing data for mission impact.