RSPSoc is the UK’s leading Society for remote sensing and photogrammetry and their application to education, science, research, industry, commerce and the public service. As a charity, its remit is to inform and educate its members and the public. It supports networking between the university, business and government sectors. An international society, RSPSoc is also active in Europe and on the world stage.

The Society is involved with:

• the co-ordination and promotion of activities in remote sensing and photogrammetry;
• relationships and discussion with other related societies;
• the encouragement of commercial and government participation in remote sensing and photogrammetry;
• supporting education and training at all levels.

The Society fosters links between commercial, industrial, academic and international organisations and gives its members wider opportunities to exploit available technology and to combine their knowledge and skills. Its activities are relevant to individuals and groups interested in the:

• Application of remote sensing and photogrammetric data to real world problems in design and development of new instrumentation, sensors and platforms for remote observation and measurement;
• Development of novel techniques and methods for analysing remotely sensed and photogrammetric data;
• Integration of remotely sensed and photogrammetric data with other spatial data;
• Development of the commercial market for remote sensing and photogrammetric products and services;
• Promotion of education in remote sensing and photogrammetry.

The Annual Student Meeting at Glaramara is the largest meeting of its kind and provides photogrammetry and remote sensing students the opportunity to present their work to their peers as well as providing an easy-going atmosphere away from stuffy academic institutions to meet new people, network and have some fun! Being affiliated with the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) Student Consortium the meeting appeals to both UK based and international students. The 3 day 2009 event included key note speakers, prizes for best presentation and poster as well as some fresh air in the form of gorge walking.

The British Association of Remote Sensing Companies (BARSC) provided one of the keynote speakers. Established in 1985, BARSC represents the interests of all those involved in remote sensing activities, from major companies to SMEs and independent consultants. A second keynote speech was provided by Alex Koh, Principal Lecturer in the Geographic Information Systems School of Science and the Environment at Bath Spa University. Previous attendees to the event have found the event invaluable for meeting and networking with like minded researchers, industry partners and potential future employes as well as help to establish some friendly faces for larger conferences.

RSPSoc Images

Andrew Hardy is the current student representative for RSPSoc who organised the annual student meeting at Glaramara. Previously he has been under the supervision of Julia McMorrow at the University of Manchester and is currently undertaking a PhD in Geomatics. His current research with Prof Jon Mills (another Glaramara client) is using information derived from hyperspectral imagery and LiDAR data to characterise soil moisture as an indicator of slope stability in transport corridors.

As Glaramara continues to improve its teaching and presentation facilities we hope very much that this arrangement will continue in the years to come. For more information on study and a career in remote sensing and photogrammetry log on to www.barsc.org.uk and www.rspsoc.org.