EAASI Summit Highlights Role of Aerial Survey in Technological Response to Global Challenges

Brussels, 19 January 2022 – Participants from around the world came together to discuss the role of aerial surveying in the technological response to challenges such as the global pandemic, climate change, and societal issues at The European Association of Aerial Surveying Industries (EAASI) Partner Summit. In a series of presentations, workshops, and networking events, representatives of 30 organisations attended to learn more about the aerial surveying industry and the opportunities for sustainable development while also considering barriers to the use of aerial-mapping-derived intelligence. The EAASI Partners Summit 2021 took place in Malaga, Spain, 8-10 December 2021.

In his introduction, Simon Musäus, EAASI President, opened the Summit and highlighted the importance of the Association and strong business relationships in the continuous evolution of the industry. He also emphasized the Association’s motto of ‘make aerial surveying sustainable’ and called the delegates to reinforce their unity to strengthen the relevance of aerial surveying for future generations.

Keynote speaker Ed Parson, Geospatial Technologist at Google Inc., explored geography ‘behind the scenes,’ presenting examples of how geospatial data is the interface to additional content and the DNA of many day-to-day activities. He also described concepts such as the ethics of geography, the ‘Covid Catapult,’ and how technology, specifically geographic technology, has the potential to make our lives better.

Other highlights of the 3-day Summit included a lively discussion panel featuring leading aircraft manufacturers and an investigative workshop facilitated by The Next Lab. Diving deeper into the Aerial Surveying Industry of today, participants developed proposals for roadmaps that will guide future Association strategy. Additional presentations were given by Barbara Ryan representing the World Geospatial Industry Council, Bob Hanson of MAPPS, and Alberto Gaspar-Martin of the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA).

“After a period of isolation, it was amazing to realise once again how much personal contact boosts productivity in developing relationships and understanding complex issues,” commented EAASI President Simon Musäus. “I must therefore thank everyone involved in this event. By coming together as an industry, we have been able to move forward as a representative association with a defined set of ambitions and the activities required to achieve them.”

The 2021 EAASI Partners Summit was kindly sponsored by CAE Aviation, Diamond Aircraft, Hexagon Geosystems, Phase One, RIEGL, Teledyne, and Vexcel Imaging, who also contributed with commercial presentations and discussion panels.

CONTACTS:

Faith Clark – Editorial Contact, Spatially Aware, Tel: +44 (0) 1603 211691, faith@spatiallyaware.co.uk 

EAASI - info@eaasi.eu, http://www.EAASI.eu                              

EAASI, with 45 active member firms and 14 observers, represents the European Aerial Surveying market. With the global aerial imaging market predicted to reach more than 6 billion dollars by 2027, EAASI aims to promote the benefits of aerial surveying, improve awareness of aerial survey data and maintain and promote best practice within the industry.

The European Association of Aerial Surveying Industries is an incorporated association without profitable goal registered in Brussels, Belgium. The objectives of the organisations are:

1. Make users and potential users of Geo-Information aware of the benefits of aerial surveying;
2. Achieve a high awareness of the strategic role that aerial survey data play in the framework of digitalization, information systems and virtual reality;
3. Define, maintain and promote quality, safety, ethical and business requirements for the aerial surveying industry;
4. Promote the use of international professional standards in the field of gathering geospatial data;
5. Facilitate the networking and provide a platform for regular contacts, information exchange and cooperation between the members;
6. Provide members with information about the developments of technological knowledge;
7. Ensure that the common interests of members are represented in national and international committees which exert influence on the members;
8. Advise and assist funding and executing agencies and organisations in matters concerning aerial surveying;
9. Promote the generation of a sustainable market for Geo-Information using aerial surveying;
10. Take all other actions as may be conducive to the attainment of the above objectives, such as concluding agreements, engaging personnel, hiring, leasing, buying and selling property.

The Association is comprised of members and observers. Qualifying members must be:

1.    Be based and create employment in any the following countries: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom;

2.    Be a privately owned commercial company. ‘Privately owned’ means that the majority of the shares (>50%) are in private hands.

3.    Operate survey aircraft and equipment for aerial photography, mapping and/or Lidar purposes in one or more of the countries mentioned under point (1)

4.    The member or member organisation shall fully support the goal and the objects of the Association.

Any organisation that does not qualify to become a member of the Association may apply as an observer.

http://www.EAASI.eu