• Remote Sensing Applications Division 
The Remote Sensing Applications Division (RSAD) works to promote the widespread 
use and understanding of remote sensing technology, data .analysis, and applications and 
provides a forum for the exchange of information and a structure for Society members to 
carry out the activities of the Division. 
Within RSAD, the Education, Research, and Innovation Committee provides coordi 
nation with the ASPRS Education Committee, seeking out new and innovative technolo 
gies and techniques, such as expert systems and artificial intelligence. This committee 
disseminates information on educational opportunities for individuals interested in re 
mote sensing, and reviews remote sensing research performed in the United States. 
The educational activities of RSAD are aimed primarily at the continuing education of 
practicing professionals. The approach to fulfilling this philosophy is twofold. First, the 
Remote Sensing Applications Division sponsors at least one technical session at the 
. Spring and Fall ASPRS/ACSM Conventions on a specific topic. Authorities are asked to 
present short papers, and the papers are coordinated in such a way that the topic is 
covered in an logically progressive manner. Secondly, the RSAD works closely with the 
recently-formed ASPRS Workshops Committee to propose one-day workshops for more 
in-depth presentation of specific topics. Remote sensing and CIS technologies are 
evolving rapidly, and it is important for professionals to remain abreast of changes and 
new developments. Workshops are typically held in conjunction with the spring and fall 
meetings. Because the workshops usually have a limited enrollment, the detailed cover 
age of subject matter permits the attendees to gain expertise they might not be able to 
obtain otherwise. , 
» Geographic Information Systems Division 
The Geographic Information Systenhs Division (GISD) is the most recently established 
of the five ASPRS Divisions. This Division provides a forum for discussion and dissem 
ination of information concerning application techniques and system technology related 
to design, development, use, and maintenance of spatial databases, with emphasis on 
geographic and land information systems (GIS/LIS). 
Coordination is probably the key word in the GIS Division's philosophy. With the Na 
tional Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA) development of a core 
curriculum for GIS, and various professional societies — including ASPRS — sponsoring 
GIS/LIS meetings, it is important for the GISD to work closely with these groups for the 
betterment of GIS education and technology transfer. 
» 
The. Division routinely sponsors several GIS technical sesions at the Spring and Fall 
ASPRS/ACSM meetings, as well as supporting the annual GIS/LIS convention. One fact 
which cannot be overlooked is the continuing need for introductory workshops in GIS. 
Even though the technology continually becomes more widely used and increasingly so 
phisticated, there are still large numbers of people who need education and training in 
the basic concepts. Aware of this, the GISD, along with the ASPRS Workshops Commit 
tee and other Society-groups, offers tutorials and hands-on workshops on the funda 
mentals of GIS as well as on more advanced topics. Additionally, the education 
committee within the GIS Division develops and presents seminars on geographic infor 
mation systems, application technology, and implementation of cadastral databases, and 
is involved in coordinating other inter-Society multimedia presentations. Also, the joint 
ASPRS/ACSM GIS/LIS Committee recently has compiled a list of GlS-related videotape 
programs and presentations. This effort reflects the trend of the Society as a whole to 
publicize and make available educational media in the mapping sciences. • 
• Photogrammetric Applications Division 
The Photogrammetric Applications Division (PAD) exists to promote the widespread 
use and understanding of photogrammetry and its various applications including trans- 
110