Masdar Institute of Science of Technology yesterday announced that members of its Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) outreach programme for 2015 gained valuable insight into the fast-growing commercial satellite imaging industry through participating in a workshop on 'Remote Sensing and GIS'.

Held at the Masdar Institute campus, titled ‘Remote Sensing and GIS,' the event provided an understanding of the technology and applications of satellite remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) in mapping and monitoring the environment.

Zainab Al Ali, Programme Manager, YFEL, said, "With the UAE earnestly entering the modern space race with its Mars mission, such workshops on remote sensing and GIS have become significantly relevant for the YFEL members. Through the support of the country's leadership, the YFEL programme continues to offer various avenues for professional and academic development for youth. Judging by the depth of participation we witnessed at the event, we believe this workshop has resonated with our YFEL members."

The workshop was led by Dr. Prashanth Marpu, Assistant Professor, Water and Environmental Engineering, and Head of the Earth-Observation and Hydro-Climatology Lab (EOHCL), and Dr. Marouane Temimi, Associate Professor, Water and Environmental Engineering, and Head of Coastal and Environmental Remote Sensing and Modelling Lab, Masdar Institute.

For YFEL member Hamda Abdulla Al Mazrouei, the workshop showed her the real-world application of GIS and remote-sensing research here in the UAE. Al Mazrouei said, "Working with Dr. Marpu and Dr. Temimi offered me insight into their current research in remote sensing. I am proud of the research work they are doing in the Arabian Gulf along the UAE's coastal areas using just a small boat. I also learnt about the software and other materials they use for research following an activity we did around Masdar City."

The workshop is part of the three intensive workshops organised every year by the YFEL programme covering technology, policy and leadership. In addition, three lectures by renowned guest speakers are also organised during the year.
Source: WAM