Obituary for Dr. Ivan Katzarsky
ISPRS Second Vice President 1988-1992
Dr. Ivan Katzarsky, born in Sofia on 15 April 1931, was a distinguished Bulgarian expert in photogrammetry and remote sensing, with a career spanning over several decades of significant contributions to both national and international advancements in these fields. His work was pivotal in integrating photogrammetry and remote sensing into various sectors, including production, research, and management, particularly in Bulgaria. Through his extensive experience, he played an instrumental role in shaping the landscape of geospatial sciences, both regionally and globally.
Katzarsky is perhaps best known for his leadership role in the Pilot Project for an Information System for Cadastre and Land Registration in Bulgaria, a project which was supported by the European Union's PHARE program. This ambitious initiative, valued at 3.48 million ECU, aimed to modernize and digitize Bulgaria's land registration and cadastre systems. Under his guidance, the project was successfully completed in 1998, marking a significant milestone in Bulgaria’s efforts to develop a modern, efficient, and reliable land information infrastructure. This achievement was vital for Bulgaria's integration into European systems and contributed to the country's economic and administrative modernization.
His expertise in photogrammetry and remote sensing earned him prominent international recognition. Katzarsky served as a United Nations Expert in Photogrammetry with the Survey of India, where he provided valuable advisory support to enhance India’s geospatial infrastructure. His work as a UN expert reinforced his reputation as a leading professional in the field, with a deep understanding of the role of geospatial data in developing countries' economic and administrative systems.
Katzarsky’s professional influence extended beyond technical expertise—he was a mentor and leader in the geospatial community, helping to guide the next generation of professionals in the field. His work was crucial in bridging the gap between technical innovation and practical application, helping to ensure that photogrammetry and remote sensing are effectively used to address complex societal and environmental challenges.
A committed advocate for international collaboration in geospatial sciences, Dr. Katzarsky was an influential member of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) Bureau, where he contributed to shaping the future of the surveying and geospatial communities on a global scale. His expertise also led him to serve as the Second Vice President (Council Member) of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing from 1988 to 1992, during which time he played a key role in advancing the society's objectives and fostering international cooperation in photogrammetry, remote sensing, and related disciplines. At the XIXth ISPRS Congress, held in Amsterdam in 2000, he received the Eduard Doležal Award.
Dr. Ivan Katzarsky passed away in his place of birth on 22 November 2024.
Lena Halounová
ISPRS President
January 2025