International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Vol XXXV, Part B6. Istanbul 2004
It is quite important to enhance 3-d imagination and feeling
parallel with logical estimation of objects dimensions as well as
types of features that can be determined from a particular
image.
3.10 Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS)
and global positioning systems (GPS)
To familiarize the trainees on the basic concepts of GIS
including its importance and data inputs parallel with an
overview on GPS components.
3.11 Applications of remotely sensed images
Although we are more interested in military applications, It is
important to give an overview on remote sensing applications
in monitoring and protecting the environment, urban planning,
monitoring of agriculture activity, mapping & exploration of
natural resources and meteorology.
3.12 Practical exercises and tests
A large number of practical exercises, quizzes and exams are
scheduled, with some sort of repetition in subjects like
measurements, scale and maps. This is quite necessary to
strengthen the ability of map & image interpretation and 2d vs.
3d geospatial thinking and imagination.
4. COMPILATION OF TRAINING MATERIAL
^ training manual has just been compiled as a draft, involving
the majority of above topics and ideas in the same logical order
as stated above. This manual (Abdelhamid, 2004), involves five
main topics as follows: getting started (science branches and
earth evolution and composition), introduction to maps & map
projections, introduction to remote sensing, image processing &
interpretation, introduction to GIS & GPS and a chapter on
miscellaneous topics including UGS overview, scientific
methods, translation and abbreviations of terms & measures. À
large number of figures and images are attached, especially to
enhance image interpretation capabilities. Some figures involve
parts chopped from the associate cartographer training held at
Inha University in Soul — Korea (Associate cartographer
training, 2001) and some others modified from illustrations
given on the website of Canada Center for Remote Sensing.
5. ADDITIONAL SPECIALIZED TRAINING
After the basic training stage, the trainees should have built a
good background in remote sensing and imagery capabilities, a
step that enables them to be enrolled in advanced training
courses, necessary to qualify them to work in the operational
cells at the UGS, or any other equivalent applications
elsewhere. In our case study, the UGS, trainees are usually
enrolled in one or more of the following courses: IKONOS
Satellite tasking and controller, requirement manager, radio
frequency terminal unit operation, IRS & KOMPSAT imagery
archive and processing, image analysis and database
management and advanced image production including both
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image processing, photogrammetry and GIS products. In UGS,
we have sent training batches for long periods of specific
training in ITC of Netherlands (Remote sensing, image
processing & GIS) Inha University, Soul, Korea on a
customized training specified by us for associate cartographer
training and to Space Imaging Primary Operations Center
(Image interpretation & analysis, Satellite Tasking & Controller
and Requirement Manager). The venders of operational
products usually come over. and provide in-house training,
using UGS facility.
6. CONCLUSIONS
6.1 In the basic training of non-graduates, it is necessary to
enhance the background of trainees through revision of basic
relevant scientific concepts and theories; particularly
geography, geology and geomorphology to understand earth
surface components and consequently image elements.
6.2 Among the success factors in the training process we
mention, availability of local language trainers, equipment &
software and images from different sources.
6.3 It is quite important to concentrate on intensive practical
exercises parallel with tests, particularly for maps and image
understanding.
7. REFERENCES
Abdelhadi, B., 2000. Reference on remote sensing: science and
applications. Technical Supplies Inc. Cairo Egypt.
Abdelhamid, G., 2004. Introduction to remote sensing, image
processing & maps. Space Reconnaissance, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Belokon. F and others (Spectral Imagery Training Center).
1997. Multispectral Imagery Reference Guide, Logicon
Geodynamics Inc. Fairfax, VA, USA.
Associate Cartographer Training Manual, 2001. Intelligent GIS
Research Center, Inha University, Seoul, South Korea.
8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Great appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, Deputy Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi & Chief of Staff
of UAE Armed Forces, for patronage of establishment of the
UGS, with the latest possible technologies, and to Brigadier
General Khalid Abu Alainain, Commander of UAE Air Force
& Air Defense for supporting the UGS requirements. Thanks
go to Colonel Mahash Alhameli, Director of Space
Reconnaissance, UAE Air Force & Air Defense and Major Ali
Alshehhi, Manger of UGS for supporting the training cell of
UAE, UGS and for continuously keeping the UGS staff up to
date with technology developments and system upgrades.
