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.