Leaders from Higher Education will discuss the challenges and opportunities in teaching remote sensing in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape. As remote sensing data becomes more accessible and analysis methods become more available, how do we instill fundamental scientific principles and methods in tomorrow’s professionals?
Modernized the photogrammetry Curriculum
Photogrammetry has been known for a long time as the art and science of obtaining reliable information from precise measurements obtained from optical images. In the last few decades, photogrammetry was taught with traditional approaches focusing on using images captured by expensive metric cameras. Recently, new sensors have been adopted in the surveying and mapping communities. Employers are now looking for graduates with the knowledge and skills required to extract accurate and reliable data from these sensors. Therefore, novel approaches are needed to blend essential principles and cutting-edge technologies in the photogrammetric courses. This article outlines the design and implementation of a new syllabus for a photogrammetry class, the experience delivering the material, and student feedback. The new curriculum introduces students to non-metric camera calibration; terrestrial laser scanners; and satellite image rectification. sUAS flight planning and data processing were the core of the redevelopment; hence, the article focusses on blending sUAS in the curriculum. Topics are taught in lectures and then practiced in labs. Comments received from students and academic and industry experts supported the new design and recommended it as part of renovating new surveying programs.
Dr. Ahmed Elaksher, New Mexico State University
Online Graduate Remote Sensing Education: Challenges and Opportunities
The field of remote sensing (RS) is relatively new and is rapidly changing. University curricula that trains RS specialists needs to evolve incorporating these rapid advances such that it prepares students for success in a continually changing disciplinary landscape into the future. This changing and rapidly growing disciplinary landscape provides a curricular challenge to remote sensing educators; how can the RS curriculum be revised, such that while retaining the theoretical fundamentals, new advances are included to allow students to surmount challenges posed by high volume, high spatial resolution RS data? In attempting to impart core competencies that will remain relevant into the future, the RS and Image Processing course in the Online MGIS program at Penn State has a thematic focus on Geographic Object Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) tools and techniques based primarily on the eCognition software; proficiency with ArcGIS pro is also necessary for both image processing and GIS analysis. GEOBIA literacy involves fundamental RS principles that will remain the same, even as the RS data streams increase in both quality and quantity. There is also an emphasis on technical writing for a clear articulation of the results of RS projects, and a GIS analysis of the mapping products produced. This talk will focus on challenges and opportunities afforded for graduate online RS education; many of the issues discussed will be relevant to traditional RS courses and programs as well.
Dr. Jitendra Sharma, Penn State University
Leveraging Online Education for Geospatial Industry Training, Promotion, and Recruitment
The geospatial industry is rapidly evolving, and it is crucial to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet its growing demands. In this presentation, we will explore the opportunities offered by online platforms in training, promoting, and recruiting individuals for the geospatial industry. By harnessing the power of popular platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube, we can create a unified voice for our industry and bring together a diverse community of geospatial professionals. The advantages of utilizing online education for geospatial industry training provides accessible and flexible learning opportunities, allowing individuals to acquire skills at their own pace and convenience. The abundance of geospatial-related content available on platforms like YouTube enables learners to access a wide range of tutorials, webinars, and lectures from industry experts. Social networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook serve as virtual meeting places for professionals to share insights, collaborate on projects, and engage in discussions. These platforms facilitate networking opportunities, enabling individuals to connect with like-minded individuals, mentors, and potential employers, thereby creating a supportive ecosystem that fosters growth and collaboration.
Rami Tamimi, YouTube
AmericaView: Integrating Local, Regional, and National Insights for Advancing Earth Observation and Geospatial Education
Chris McGinty, AmericaView
Imagery is the New I in GIS: What That Means for GIS Education
The map of the future combines up-to-date imagery with GIS features to provide rich representations of the world. What do you need to know about imagery and remotely sensed data to succeed in the GIS profession? Explore emerging capabilities such as reality mapping, hyperspectral imaging and analysis, and deep learning to help you stay ahead of the curve. This session will feature educators sharing their strategies for learning and teaching about rapidly evolving technologies.
Canserina Kurnia, Esri
These presentations will be followed by a panel discussion including Canserina Kurnia, Esri; Chris McGinty, AmericaView; Karen Schuckman, ASPRS
