2015 Women in Spatial Scholarship winner, Heidi Belbin.
University of Southern Queensland (USQ) online student Heidi Belbin has received a welcome boost ahead of the completion of her Spatial Science degree for her project in 3D data extraction from low-cost photogrammetry.
Based in Tasmania, Ms Belbin is currently in the final year of her Bachelor of Spatial Science Honours (Surveying), and has begun her dissertation on emerging technology and its application of spatial science techniques to the wider scientific community.
Her work has attracted the 2015 Women in Spatial (WIS) scholarship, which is co-sponsored by the Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) and the Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council (CPSISC).
The scholarship is designed to support women in the spatial disciplines and comprises a grant of $1500 and a one year membership with the SSSI for 2015.
In a letter from SSSI, Ms Belbin was told that the judging committee agreed that, amongst a highly skilled field of applicants, her proposal had the most value for the spatial industry and her own career development.
She said her research is focused on analysing the accuracy of using low cost photogrammetry techniques to create a digital 3D model of a complex object.
“Photogrammetry technique is an area of spatial science that has the potential for growth in the future and can bring many benefits to people using the technology,” Ms Belbin said. “It allows spatial science professionals to be involved in non-traditional applications and assist other professionals in the capture and use of their data.
“I hope that the end result of my dissertation will prove a successful example of accessible spatial technology, and outline the importance of a spatial professional’s role in overseeing that data is accurate and used appropriately.”
The USQ undergraduate student said the scholarship would be of great assistance in the coming months.
“I will present my dissertation at the 2015 USQ Engineering and Spatial Science Conference in Toowoomba to an audience of my peers and academic staff,” she said.
Ms Belbin’s plan is to graduate and work in the industry as a surveyor.
“I have worked hard to progress through the course and it has been a challenge at times, the majority of the time both working and studying by distance part time,” she said. “Despite the hard times, I never once thought of dropping out because I can see the importance of the qualification to my career and the opportunities which will come.”
