Leica Geosystems, a world wide leader in geospacial imaging, has recently chosen the Carlson Center for Imaging Science at Rochester Institute of Technology to serve as a Center of Excellence in Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. The award includes a substantial donation of software and technical support.
"We are looking forward to this partnership with RIT," said Bob Morris, President of Leica. "The Center of Excellence at RIT will serve as a testing ground for our new products and leverage the expertise of the research staff, students and faculty through the broad range of imaging and remote sensing projects in which they are involved."
The Center of Excellence will be integrated into the Laboratory for Imaging Algorithms and Systems, a research group within the Center for Imaging Science. The lab is currently partnering with the Monroe County Office of Emergency Preparedness and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to provide more accurate mapping and location technologies to be used during possible terrorist attacks or national emergencies.
In addition, the lab will be utilizing the center as part of its Wildfire Airborne Sensor research program with NASA and the U.S. Forest Service. 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 wildfire team recently mapped a series of forest fires for the U.S. Forest Service in Western Montana.
"RIT is very proud to be chosen as a Leica Center of Excellence," added Stefi Baum, director of the Center for Imaging Science. "We plan to use this software donation to enhance our efforts in remote sensing both as an academic and research tool."
The Laboratory for Imaging Algorithms and Systems is focused on the development of prototype sensors and software for observation of the earth using aer
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Contact: William Dube
wjduns@rit.edu
585-475-4954
Rochester Institute of Technology
27-Oct-2005