PrintThe geospatial professional has grown sufficiently to support a large number of professional societies and associations. Some have a public sector focus, some an academic/research focus, and others a commercial focus; they may also be organized around particular applications or disciplines. Most of these organizations encompass remote sensing in one form or another, especially as a source of data or an analysis tool. However, few of these organizations focus on the technology of remote sensing or photogrammetry itself: the design and deployment of sensors, processing of sensor data into usable GIS products, development of tools for large-scale production and analysis of digital imagery and elevation data, etc. The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) and the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) are the two most important sources for information and professional development in these specific areas of interest.
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
ASPRS was founded in 1934 by a small group of like-minded pioneers in a unique and emerging field. Today, over 7000 individuals worldwide are members. Students in this course may have joined ASPRS to get a discount on the course textbook. There are many other ways that ASPRS membership can support professional development and career advancement.
Watch the following video about ASPRS Membership (1:50)
Video: ASPRS Membership (1:50)
[MUSIC PLAYING] Think of how maps were made 75 years ago. Here's this oblique camera, shooting through the door. And you think how maps are made today. ASPRS has been able to evolve with monumental changes in technology over time. ASPRS is a wonderful forum where great minds all come together. When I was coming up as a graduate student, I would just be in awe of all the people who wrote your textbooks who were here, and you'd see them in real life. It's a very good network to know people who are doing something in photogrammetry and remote sensing. It usually falls upon-- Precisely right. I learned from everybody here every year, and it was a tremendous help. I got involved in two different assistantships through the ASPRS. Definitely getting involved in the professional societies really helped me out. It's rewarding to turn on the news and to recognize that your profession has a huge impact on the lives, on the health and the safety of people around the world. In today's world, we've got a lot of followers. But I believe an organization like this allows you to become a leader. [MUSIC PLAYING]
International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS)
ISPRS was founded in 1910, and is devoted to the development of international cooperation for the advancement of photogrammetry and remote sensing and their applications. National organizations, such as ASPRS, are the voting members; individuals can take part in activities, conferences, technical Working Groups, and Commissions through affiliation with one of the Member organizations. The ISPRS Congress, an international conference dedicated to photogrammetry and remote sensing, takes place every four years and is hosted by the home country of the elected President.