ISPRS Press Release

ISPRS Press Release

21 June 2004
15 June 2004
3 May 2004
2 December 2003
17 November 2003
6 November 2003
20 May 2003
2 February 2003
3 January 2003

21-June-04

ISPRS Foundation Invites Donations

Board of Trustees Is Announced

London, UK, June 21, 2004
The ISPRS Foundation provides a singular opportunity to create a meaningful legacy. Donors -- individuals and organizations -- wishing to support worthy applicants, especially those from developing and transition countries, are invited to make their donations to The ISPRS Foundation. Awards and grants will enable recipients to further their knowledge and skills in the fields of photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences.
The following individuals, representing a wide spectrum of experts from academia, industry and government, and who are involved in the sciences with which ISPRS is associated, have been appointed as members of the Board of Trustees of The ISPRS Foundation:
- Prof. Dr. Emeritus Shunji Murai, University of Tokyo, Japan;
- Mr. Peter Woodsford, Senior Vice-President, Laser-Scan Ltd., UK;
- Dr. Hans Hess, CEO & Executive Director of the Board, Leica Geosystems, Switzerland;
- Prof. Dr. Ing. Martien Molenaar, Rector, International Institute for Aerospace & Earth Sciences, Netherlands;
- Dr. Terrence J. Keating, Chairman of Z/I Imaging Corporation and Executive Vice President at Intergraph Corporation, USA;
- Mr. Adigun A. Abiodun, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Space Science & Technology, Nigeria;
- Mr.Akihiro Yamaura, General Manager, Mitsubishi Corporation Spatial IT Business Unit, Japan;
- Mr. Lawrence W. Fritz, USA;
- Dr. Ammatzia Peled, Senior Lecturer, University of Haifa, Israel.
Two additional members will be appointed to the Board of Trustees from the new ISPRS Council to be elected Monday, 19 July.
Professor John Trinder, President of ISPRS, said, "We strongly encourage all individuals who have an interest in assisting our colleagues in developing and transition countries to donate to The ISPRS Foundation, so that they can gain knowledge and skills in the areas that are covered by ISPRS. This is a very worthy cause, and donations will benefit both our industry and the global environment."
In conjunction with the 20th Congress in Istanbul, The ISPRS Foundation is hosting a kick-off event Tuesday, 20 July 2004, from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Invited guests will include donors and potential donors, as well as exhibitors at the Congress.
To obtain a donation form and for additional information about The ISPRS Foundation, visit www.isprs.org/foundation. Grant applications will be posted as awards are established.

15-June-04

ISPRS Announces Winners of Helava Award

Lee and Bethel Honoured for Best Paper in the ISPRS Journal

London, UK, June 15, 2004
The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) is pleased to announce that Changno Lee and James S. Bethel are the winners of the U.V. Helava Award for their paper "Extraction, modelling, and use of linear features for restitution of airborne hyperspectral imagery." It appeared in Volume 58, Issue 5-6 of the ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Dr. Lee is with the Spatial Imagery Information Research Team of ETRI in South Korea. Professor Bethel is in the Department of Geomatic Engineering at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
The U.V. Helava Award, one of the most prestigious ISPRS awards, was established in 1998 and first presented in 2000 to encourage and stimulate submission of high quality scientific papers by individual authors or groups to the ISPRS Journal, to promote and advertise the Journal. The Award also honours the outstanding contributions of Dr. Uuno V. Helava, a leading photogrammetrist and developer of analytical and digital systems, to research and development in photogrammetry and remote sensing.
Professor John Trinder, President of ISPRS, said, "The high scientific and also practical value of the paper by Dr. Lee and Prof. Bethel is in the spirit of Dr. Helava's work and serves as an excellent example of the quality of papers in our Journal. We hope this award will prompt other researchers to submit papers of similar quality."
A five-member jury of experts of high scientific standing evaluated 114 papers for the period 2000-2003. The jury, in its rationale for the selection of this paper, noted that it covers a very relevant topic, considering the current development of digital aerial cameras and existing problems in the orientation of linear CCDs.
The award consists of a monetary grant of 10,000 Swiss francs, certificates and a silver plaque. Elsevier B.V., Leica Geosystems GIS & Mapping, LLC and the Helsinki University of Technology Institute of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing co-sponsor the award.
The U.V. Helava Award will be presented at the Opening Session of the 20th ISPRS Congress on July 14th in Istanbul, by ISPRS President Trinder and representatives of the sponsors.

3-May-04

ISPRS Announces Winner of Brock Gold Medal

Kasturirangan Honoured for Leadership of Indian Space Program

London, UK, May 3, 2004 -- The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) is pleased to announce that Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan of India is the winner of the ISPRS Brock Gold Medal. The Medal is donated by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, and is awarded for an outstanding landmark in the evolution of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences.
Dr. Kasturirangan served as Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman of Space Commission and Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Space from March 1994 until August 2003. His efforts have established India as a pre-eminent space faring nation among the handful of countries that have major space programmes. Under his leadership, India's space programme established its capabilities with both Polar and Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicles. He saw the realization of the second generation and initiation of the third generation of the INSAT series of satellites, which include telecommunications and meteorological payloads. In addition, he oversaw the design, development and launch of satellites in the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) series beginning with the experimental BHASKARA I and II and the first operational Indian remote sensing satellite, IRS 1A. He subsequently had overall direction of IRS-1B/1C/1D (primarily land remote sensing) and IRS-P3/P4 (for ocean observation).
Professor John Trinder, President of ISPRS, said "We are pleased to honour a colleague whose vision and leadership have contributed so much to the remote sensing community both globally and also to the national priorities of India."
The Brock Gold Medal will be formally presented at the XXth ISPRS Congress in Istanbul, Turkey, 12-23 July 2004. For more information about the XXth ISPRS Congress, visit the Congress web site at www.isprs2004-istanbul.org.

For more information about the XXth ISPRS Congress, visit the Congress web site at www.isprs2004-istanbul.org.

2-Dec-03

ISPRS Expands Its Scientific and Technologic Activities

Members Will Bid on Eight Commissions at Istanbul Congress

London, UK, December 2, 2003 -- The Members of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) have overwhelmingly approved new Terms of Reference and the addition of an eighth Technical Commission. The fields of photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information science now each have two Commissions, one for research and one for applications, complemented by two overarching Commissions. The scientific and technologic (S&T) activity within each Commission has been redefined. The newly-approved ISPRS Commissions are the following:
- Commission I: Image Data Acquisition - Sensors and Platforms
- Commission II: Theory and Concepts of Spatio-temporal Data Handling and Information
- Commission III: Photogrammetric Computer Vision and Image Analysis
- Commission IV: Geodatabases and Digital Mapping
- Commission V: Close-Range Sensing - Analysis and Applications
- Commission VI: Education and Outreach
- Commission VII: Thematic Processing, Modelling and Analyses of Remotely Sensed Data
- Commission VIII: Remote Sensing Applications and Policies

Professor John Trinder, President of ISPRS, said "These changes are a result of extensive discussions with individuals at the ISPRS Symposia in 2002 and responses from the International Science Advisory Committee and ISPRS Members. We expect these new terms of reference to strengthen ISPRS by focusing on the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences in separate Commissions. We look forward to the growth of ISPRS scientific and technologic activities within this structure."
Each Commission is entrusted to an Ordinary Member organization for the four-year term between Congresses. At the XXth Congress in Istanbul, Turkey, 12-23 July 2004, Member organisations will make proposals before the 103-nation General Assembly and compete to take responsibility for the S&T activities of Commissions. The General Assembly will elect eight countries or regions to manage Commissions and a ninth to convene the XXIst Congress in 2008. The new Terms of Reference of each Commission are posted on the ISPRS web site at www.isprs.org/specials/announc_varia.html.
For more information about the XXth ISPRS Congress, visit the Congress web site at www.isprs2004-istanbul.com.

17-Nov-03

Record Number of Abstracts Submitted for ISPRS Congress

XXth Congress Early Registration Deadline is 1 December 2003

London, UK, November 17, 2003 -- The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) is pleased to announce that the Call for Abstracts for its XXth Congress attracted a record number of submissions, more than 1770. Convening in Istanbul, Turkey, 12-23 July 2004, the Congress will feature a Scientific Programme with more than 50 poster sessions and 100 oral presentation sessions. Over the 12 days of the Congress, these sessions will be organized so that similar topics have minimum overlap and participants have time to visit the exhibition to learn about recent technological developments.

Professor Dr. Orhan M. Altan, Congress Director, said, "I want to draw attention to our first-ever Youth Forum on Saturday, 17 July. We place great importance on this event, because it represents the future of our profession. Learning by doing is always most effective, and in this Youth Forum our young colleagues are gaining experience in organizing conference sessions as well as in making presentations."

More than 2500 people representing more than 120 countries are expected. Attendees who register by 1 December 2003 will receive the early registration rate of US$390. Additional exhibitors can still be accommodated.

For more information about the XXth ISPRS Congress, visit the Congress web site at www.isprs2004-istanbul.com. For information about ISPRS, visit www.isprs.org.

6-Nov-03

ISPRS Establishes The ISPRS Foundation to Facilitate International Cooperation

Grants Will Improve Education and Training, Support Research and Development

London, UK, November 5, 2003 -- The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) is pleased to announce the creation of The ISPRS Foundation. Programmes are planned in the following categories: awards, awareness education, distance learning, exchange programs, fellowships, grants, international workshops, internships, preservation and archiving, research initiatives, scholarships, standards projects, tools and literature, and travel grants. Through these programmes, The Foundation will provide tangible support for the objectives of ISPRS, and recognize and reward outstanding achievements.

Professor John Trinder, President of ISPRS, said "We are very excited to have The Foundation become a reality. We now have a way to provide funding for improved education and training for our colleagues around the world who have limited resources, and to support international cooperation for a range of ISPRS activities. This will greatly benefit our international community and help ISPRS fulfill its benevolent goals."

The ISPRS Foundation is now soliciting cash and in-kind donations. Both unrestricted and restricted gifts are welcome.

To obtain a donation form and for additional information about The ISPRS Foundation, visit www.isprs.org/foundation. Grant applications will be posted as awards are established.

About ISPRS The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing is a non-governmental organiza-tion devoted to the development of international cooperation for the advancement of knowledge, research, development, education and training in the photogrammetric, remote sensing and spatial information sciences, their integration and applications, to contribute to the well-being of humanity and the sustainability of the environment. The Society operates without any discrimination on grounds of race, religion, nationality, or political philosophy.

20-May-03

ISPRS Issues Call for Abstracts

XXth Congress to Be 12-23 July 2004

London, UK, May 20, 2003 -- The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) is pleased to issue its Second Announcement and Call for Abstracts for its XXth Congress. Convening in Istanbul, Turkey, 12-23 July 2004, the Congress will bring together more than 2000 people representing more than 120 countries.

Professor John Trinder, President of ISPRS, said "I encourage everyone interested in the sciences of photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information to make plans to attend this Congress, and if they are working in these topics I particularly encourage them to prepare and present a paper about their work. The exchanges that take place in these international gatherings help us all advance scientific knowledge."

Abstracts are being submitted online at www.isprs2004-istanbul.com for this Congress, a capability that makes submission quite easy for participants. Deadline for submission of abstracts is 20 September 2003. To encourage authors in early career stages to participate in the Congress, the ISPRS Council will award up to ten cash prizes to enable promising young scholars to attend the Congress. In addition, each of the seven ISPRS Commissions identifies the two best poster papers from the Commission for a total of 14 Best Poster Paper Awards.

Professor Dr. Orhan M. Altan, Congress Director, added, "We chose the theme 'Geo-Imagery Bridging Continents' because spatial technologies play a key role in managing our land, water, and natural resources, and we envision this Congress providing the participants with both scientific and cultural experiences that will help them connect ideas that would otherwise seem worlds apart."

For the first time in the history of the ISPRS there will be sessions organized by student attendees, and the organizers of this Congress are placing a great emphasis on these sessions, offering two awards for Best Paper and three for Best Poster in the Youth Forum.

The Organizing Committee has announced the availability of a limited number of grants and fellowships to provide financial support for deserving attendees from developing countries. Deadline for these applications is 31 December 2003.

For additional information about the XXth ISPRS Congress, visit the Congress web site at www.isprs2004-istanbul.com. For information about ISPRS, visit www.isprs.org.

About ISPRS:
The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing is a non-governmental organization devoted to the development of international cooperation for the advancement of knowledge, research, development, education and training in the photogrammetric, remote sensing and spatial information sciences, their integration and applications, to contribute to the well-being of humanity and the sustainability of the environment. The Society operates without any discrimination on grounds of race, religion, nationality, or political philosophy.

2-Feb-03

ISPRS Is Now a Full Member of ICSU

Remote Sensing Will Contribute More to Mainstream Science

London, UK, February 2, 2003 -- The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) is pleased to announce its application for full Union membership in the International Council for Science (ICSU) was approved at the 27th ICSU General Assembly, granting ISPRS status as a full Scientific Union Member.

Professor John Trinder, President of ISPRS, said "ICSU addresses major international, interdisciplinary issues typically beyond the scope of individual organizations. In deciding to become a full Union Member of ICSU, we saw opportunities to help our members participate in cross-disciplinary activities and research programs. In particular, we believe that many aspects of scientific research will be enhanced by inputs from remote sensing. And similarly, our remote sensing research will contribute more to sustainable development when it is enhanced by, for example, the expertise of biologists who understand the possible causes and impacts of the vegetation stress we detect and map via remote sensing."

ICSU, founded in 1931, represents a global membership including 27 international scientific unions and 101 national scientific academies. ICSU established the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) in 1986 to help develop the knowledge needed for global sustainability. In 1996, ICSU became one of the five sponsors of DIVERSITAS, a biodiversity research program.

Professor Trinder added, "By joining ICSU, we give our members greater opportunity to participate in programs like IGBP and DIVERSITAS. We also see ICSU membership as a way to increase the recognition by mainstream science of the work done by our members."

For additional information about ISPRS, visit the web site at www.isprs.org

The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing is a non-governmental organization devoted to the development of international cooperation for the advancement of knowledge, research, development, education and training in the photogrammetric, remote sensing and spatial information sciences, their integration and applications, to contribute to the well-being of humanity and the sustainability of the environment. The Society operates without any discrimination on grounds of race, religion, nationality, or political philosophy.

3-Jan-03

ISPRS Invites Participation in Evaluation Campaign for SPOT-5 High Resolution Stereoscopic Data

London, UK, January 3, 2003 -- The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) is pleased to announce the society's role in a campaign designed to evaluate the new High Resolution Stereoscopic (HRS) instrument on SPOT-5.

The international evaluation campaign is being jointly organized by ISPRS and Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) as an "HRS Study Team." The Study Team is managed by Manfred Schroeder, ISPRS Chair of Working Group I/2, Sensor Calibration and Testing, and Alain Baudoin (CNES). ISPRS invites inquiries about joining the Study Team: contact Manfred Schroeder via email at Manfred.Schroeder@dlr.de.

The HRS instrument can acquire instantaneous along-track stereoscopic pairs on large areas (its swath width is 120 km). The spatial resolution of the panchromatic imagery is 10 meters. HRS is designed to acquire relative elevation accuracies between 5 and 10 meters, absolute accuracies in the range 10 to 15 meters.

Professor John Trinder, President of ISPRS, said "We appreciate the offer by CNES to work with us on this evaluation campaign. It will enable the community of photogrammetric and remote sensing scientists to test the capability of HRS data for the production of digital elevation models (DEMs). Team Members will get to use first generation data sets taken over test sites designed to assist them in their own assessment work for the evaluation. We believe that ISPRS was asked to participate in the evaluation because it is objective in its activities and it will therefore produce an unbiased report on the capabilities of SPOT-5 High Resolution stereoscopic data."

The assessment program will begin with selection of study areas in January 2003. On behalf of CNES, Spot Image will deliver HRS data by June 2003. Concurrently, Study Team Members will provide ground control data. Investigators will generate and evaluate DEMs by the end of 2003. Reports of results will be presented at the ISPRS Congress in Istanbul in July 2004.

"We are very pleased to have ISPRS associated with this project, as it is the international scientific organization which best represents the user community," said G�rard Brachet, former Director General of CNES.

For additional information about ISPRS, visit the web site at www.isprs.org/specials/HRS_study_team.html

Last change: 21-Feb-07 by Markus Englich Problems and/or queries, send e-mail: markus.englich@ifp.uni-stuttgart.de
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