The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science & Technology (EIAST) participated in the 33rd International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE) in Stresa, Italy to enhance joint scientific cooperation and exchange of expertise in the field of innovation and advanced technology.

Participants from EIAST included Engineer Adnan Mohammed Al Rayes and Engineer Ali Al Suwaidi. The overall theme of the symposium was the use of earth observation systems and airborne techniques for understanding and managing the earth environment and natural resources.

The symposium also offered a platform for describing and discussing new remote sensing programmes in all countries of the world. It also examined the latest developments in the setting up of inter-operable earth observation and spatial data infrastructure through international arrangements.

The team from EIAST presented a paper on DubaiSat-1’s role in supporting environment researches such as land and sea pollution, migratory patterns of birds, agricultural research, management of natural disasters, developmental research and space science.

EIAST is currently researching in four main areas - observation and fog forecast;  use of satellite pictures in predicting sand storms; quality of water in the Gulf region - especially the effect of waste distillation in environment and marine life surrounding the oceans existing in the UAE; and study on ways to improve the clarity of satellite pictures.

“Our participation in the symposium shows our commitment to promoting DubaiSat-1 worldwide, besides acknowledging the applications of DubaiSat-1 in the field of environment,” said Al Rayes.

“The paper we presented generated great interest from participants in the symposium, as we exchanged information and experiences. We also discussed DubaiSat-1’s role in enhancing the UAE’s technological advancement and scientific research,” added Al Rayes.

Commenting on EIAST’s participation, His Excellency Mr Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director General and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, EIAST, said: “We are always on the look out for the latest scientific developments, a fact highlighted by our participation in the symposium. DubaiSat-1 is the first remote sensing satellite developed by a UAE entity and its shows the commitment of the government to fulfill the needs of space information and earth observation data for serving the UAE as a whole.”

“EIAST is committed to enhance cooperation with local and international organizations and institutions in the field of scientific innovation and technological advancement. We seek to spread awareness among our engineers and scientists on the modern use of satellites for land, air and marine studies,” added Al Mansoori.

EIAST will participate in another international conference in South Africa from July 12 to 17, 2009