Leica Geosystems Names RIT Centre of Excellence

Leica Geosystems Geospatial Imaging (GA, USA) has announced a Centre of Excellence in Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, New York (USA). As a Leica Geosystems Centre of Excellence, the Chester F. Carlson Centre for Imaging Science at RIT will incorporate Leica Geosystems products into their curriculum and research activities.
The Laboratory for Imaging Algorithms and Systems (LIAS), a research group within the Centre for Imaging Science, is focused on the development of prototype sensors and software for observation of the earth using aerial and satellite-based imaging systems. The main areas of LIAS research are the development of image exploitation tools, airborne and ground based sensor systems, and decision support tools for incident managers.

RIT plans to integrate Leica Geosystems’ software into its imaging science curriculum. The software donation will also be used in the Centre’s remote sensing work with the Monroe County Office of Emergency Preparedness and other government agencies. The Centre is currently working with these groups to provide more accurate mapping and location technologies to be used during possible terrorist attacks or national emergencies.

In addition, RIT will be utilising the donation as part of its Wildfire Airborne Sensor Program (WASP). This effort uses high performance sensor technology and software to track and map forest fires to assist the forest service and firefighters in identifying fires earlier and helping to ensure the safety of crews on the ground. The WASP team recently mapped a series of forest fires for the US Forest Service in Western Montana.

The Centre of Excellence program developed by Leica Geosystems was conceived to foster collaboration with a small group of outstanding academic institutions, bound together by a commitment to advance concepts, technology and expertise which leverage image-based spatial data. The workflows and case studies developed using the Leica Geosystems products in class settings, demonstrations and projects will provide Leica Geosystems with keen insight to help refine its technology development. The Centres of Excellence will also increase the company’s visibility throughout the academic research community and with the students who will become the remote sensing and photogrammetry professionals of tomorrow.