Azavea often works with large raster datasets, and continually looks for optimizations and speed enhancements. Many of Azavea's projects and applications use raster datasets and raster geoprocessing, such as the DecisionTree framework. Implementing faster, better raster geoprocessing techniques is part of David Zwarg's research. Partnering with Professor Dana Tomlin from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Landscape Architecture, David is developing the next-generation cost distance algorithm (named "radial propagation" by Dr. Tomlin). Developing this new algorithm involves porting the code from Python to C# and building ArcToolbox and PostGIS spatial functions. When the project is complete, Azavea plans to freely distribute the next-generation cost distance algorithm.