Registrations for IGARRS 2013 have now opened, with a discounted rate available until May 31.

Scientists and engineers from around the world will meet at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, between the 21-26 July, to discuss the latest exciting developments in satellite imaging technologies, recent research breakthroughs, challenges, and future directions of geosciences and remote sensing.

Remote sensing is an ever-growing area of research, and, with sustainability a key issue in our society, this year’s IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium will look at “Building a Sustainable Earth through Remote Sensing”.

Some of the key topics of discussion will include: forest degradation; response of the Great Barrier Reef to climate change; disasters and hazard management; pollution and contamination; earthquake mitigation in New Zealand; sea-level rise; and much more.

The symposium will feature numerous keynote speakers, including:

• IEEE President Dr. Peter Staecker, an expert in microwave technologies that are today largely used in the field of remote sensing.
• Professor Melba Crawford, IEEE GRSS President, whose research in machine learning focuses on advanced methods for analysis of remotely sensed data, will highlight the many exciting latest developments in the field of remote sensing.
• The director of the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth, Professor Guo Huadong, will present the latest research specific to the Asia-Pacific region.
• Also addressing the audience will be Professor Mike Goodchild, one of the world’s pre-eminent thinkers in geographic information sciences and their role in supporting many other aspects of scientific development. Professor Goodchild will challenge us with his thoughts on the relationship between remote sensing and the broader GIS communities.

In addition there will be two keynote speakers from Australia, Dr. Chris Pigram and Dr. Rob Vertessy.

Dr. Pigram is the Chief Executive Officer of Geoscience Australia, a world leader in providing first class geoscientific information and knowledge enabling the Australian government to make informed decisions about the use and management of resources, the environment, community wellbeing and sustainable energy. His talk will crystallise the latest Australian developments in geoscience and remote sensing.

Dr. Rob Vertessy is Director of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). BoM’s expertise and services assist Australians in dealing with the harsh realities of their natural environment, including drought, floods, fires, storms, tsunami and tropical cyclones. Through regular forecasts, warnings, monitoring and advice spanning the Australian region and Antarctic territory, the Bureau provides one of the most fundamental and widely used services of the Australian government. Dr. Vertessy is currently leading a number of ground-breaking initiatives in the use of remote sensing and value-added spatial and information products systems and will speak about these at the Opening Ceremony.

For further details of this global conference, including speakers and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.igarss2013.org.

Registration is available here.