Norcross, GA -- Leica Geosystems Geospatial Imaging is proud to announce a Center of Excellence in Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, New York. As a Leica Geosystems Center of Excellence, the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science at RIT will incorporate Leica Geosystems products into their curriculum and research activities.

The Laboratory for Imaging Algorithms and Systems (LIAS), a research group within the Center for Imaging Science, is focused on the development of prototype sensors and software for observation of the earth using aerial and satellite-based imaging systems. The main areas of LIAS research are the development of image exploitation tools, airborne and ground based sensor systems, and decision support tools for incident managers.

“We are looking forward to this partnership with RIT,” said Bob Morris, President of Leica Geosystems Geospatial Imaging. “The Center of Excellence at RIT will serve as a testing ground for our new products and leverage the expertise of the research staff, students and faculty through the broad range of imaging and remote sensing projects in which they are involved.”

RIT plans to integrate Leica Geosystems’ software into its imaging science curriculum. The software donation will also be used in the Center’s remote sensing work with the Monroe County Office of Emergency Preparedness and other government agencies. The Center is currently working with these groups to provide more accurate mapping and location technologies to be used during possible terrorist attacks or national emergencies.

In addition, RIT will be utilizing the donation as part of its Wildfire Airborne Sensor Program (WASP). This effort uses high performance sensor technology and software to track and map forest fires to assist the forest service and firefighters in identifying fires earlier and helping to ensure the safety of crews on the ground. The WASP team recently mapped a series of forest fires for the US Forest Service in Western Montana.

“RIT is very proud to be chosen as a Leica Center of Excellence,” says Stefi Baum, director of the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science. “We plan to use this software donation to enhance our efforts in remote sensing both as an academic and research tool.”

The Center of Excellence program developed by Leica Geosystems was conceived to foster collaboration with a small group of outstanding academic institutions, bound together by a commitment to advance concepts, technology and expertise which leverage image-based spatial data. The workflows and case studies developed using the Leica Geosystems products in class settings, demonstrations and projects will provide Leica Geosystems with keen insight to help refine its technology development. The Centers of Excellence will also increase the company’s visibility throughout the academic research community and with the students who will become the remote sensing and photogrammetry professionals of tomorrow.

About Leica Geosystems Geospatial Imaging Division
When building image-based maps, you need reliable measurements and solutions for your entire workflow. So when it has to be right, more geospatial professionals trust Leica Geosystems Geospatial Imaging, LLC to help them collect, analyze, and present spatial information. Leica Geosystems is powering geospatial imaging by putting precise imaging to work. Its broad array of airborne sensors, photogrammetry and remote sensing software solutions capture data efficiently, reference imagery accurately, measure and analyze easily and present spatial information, even in 3D. Those who use Leica Geosystems Geospatial Imaging products every day trust them for their precision, their seamless integration, and their superior customer support. Delivering geospatial-imaging solutions with precision, integration, and service from Leica Geosystems. When it has to be right. For more information about Leica Geosystems or its products and services, call +1 770 776 3400, toll free +1 866 534 2286, or visit gi.leica-geosystems.com.

About Leica Geosystems
With close to 200 years of pioneering solutions to measure the world, Leica Geosystems products and services are trusted by professionals worldwide to help them capture, analyze, and present spatial information. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyze easily, and visualize and present spatial information even in 3D. Those who use Leica products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the superior customer support. Based in Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers supported by more than 2,400 employees in 23 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is a publicly listed company, registered with the Swiss Stock Exchange (SWX).

Further information at: www.leica-geosystems.com