Most Bruce's research is focused on social applications of GIS, particularly in the areas of (a) the impact of commercial gambling at a community level, (b) mapping fear of crime and (c) developing mapping approaches for Native Title decision making.

Bruce is project lead on the ANU Grand Challenge Project (2020-2025) “Mapping a New Path - Strengthening social and emotional wellbeing through community-led research and knowledge sharing”, a collaborative initiative between seven Traditional Owner groups and different schools within the ANU. The core focus of the project is to use mapping to initiate collaborations that link Indigenous and western scientific knowledge that provide tangible benefits on the ground for the participating Indigenous groups. Associate Professor Janelle Stevenson (CHL) is a co-leader on this project. 

Bruce has an ongoing partnership with the Yawuru people, the traditional owners of country in and around Broome, Western Australia. The partnership focuses on developing practical uses of GIS to support Native Title decision making. In 2016, Dean Mathews (Fenner School visiting fellow and Yawuru man) and Bruce were given the ANU Vice Chancellor's award for Indigenous Education.

Teaching:

• “GIS and Spatial Analysis” (EVNS2015/6015) provides a theoretical background to the area as well as a practical basis for using GIS to assist in decision making.
• “Solving Complex Environmental Problems” (ENVS3040/6025, Co-taught with Dr Lorrae van Kerkhoff) exposes continuing students to a challenging range of current biophysical and urban problems.
• “Advanced Remote Sensing and GIS” (ENVS3019/6319 Co-taught with Professor Albert Van Dijk, biennial format).

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