Most people have heard of drones and Google maps, but few know that it is the science of geomatics that makes these life-changing inventions possible.
Above: A researcher controls an unmanned aerial vehicle that is flying over swamp lands
Geomatics deals with the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data relating to the Earth's surface. Advances in geomatics engineering can be seen in a broad range of commercial applications and drone technology, including monitoring of environmental changes and defence solutions. The applications using unmanned aerial vehicles in geomatics are vast and range from observing the health and status of different species in remote regions to delivering packages, books and clothing by aerial drone deliveries.
A view from a drone
Now for the first time in North America, the third International Conference on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Geomatics (UAV-g), a conference devoted to understanding the many uses and implications of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, is taking place at Lassonde School of Engineering at York University. From Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, York University and Markham airport will be hosting a variety of exhibitions, presentations and demonstrations related to the role geomatics plays in drone technology.
Costas Armenakis
The Lassonde School of Engineering is one of three key supporters of the conference; the other two are the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and the Canadian Institute for Geomatics. The conference brings together experts from various fields of geomatics, artificial intelligence, remote sensing and data acquisition. Organized by Lassonde Professor in Geomatics Engineering Costas Armenakis, the conference will see these experts present their leading research in geomatics, share findings and participate in exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations.
Lassonde Founding Dean Janusz Kozinski and newly appointed Associate Vice-President Research at York University Sushanta Mitra will be deliver opening remarks to conference delegates.
Everyone from researchers to students is invited to participate by attending exhibits, engaging in demonstrations and exchanging views. The UAV-g conference is a great opportunity to get involved in a growing field that will be changing the way we work and live, says Armenakis.
Outdoor technical exhibition and demonstrations of small UAV systems are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1 at the Markham Airport located approximately 30 km north east of York University. The demonstrations offer an excellent opportunity to view live flight demonstrations of the different kinds of drones and UAV platforms.
Day passes available for all interested. To learn more, visit the UAV-g website.