UNews - Monty Carter

TECTERRA support helps launch i4Geo Institute for Geospatial Inquiry, Instruction and Innovation

trevor.kenney — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 21:53:25 +0000

Geomatics-related fields of study are taking another significant step forward at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge thanks to major support from TECTERRA and the opening of i4Geo, the Institute for Geospatial Inquiry, Instruction and Innovation.

“This is something we’ve been working towards for some time and to see it come together is exciting and a real positive push for geospatial study,” says Dr. Chris Hopkinson, Professor in the Department of Geography & Environment, The Board of Governors Research Chair in Remote Sensing and Director of i4Geo. “There is so much opportunity in geographical information science, geospatial positioning and imaging technologies, sensor networks, big data analytics, artificial intelligence and 3D digital twins. Bringing these fields of study together under the i4Geo umbrella, encompassing research, training, networking, business innovation and community outreach will further establish ULethbridge as leaders in geospatial technology and its applications.”

Then graduate students Thomas Porter and Celeste Barnes set up and watch GNSS positioning, long range 3D laser scanner and four imaging systems, including Thermal, RGB, NIR and GoPro video all poised to capture the rates and volumes of avalanche motion as part of an international team of researchers participating in joint experiments for a BBC science documentary.

Geomatics is a branch of science that deals with the collection, analysis and interpretation of data relating to the Earth’s surface. ULethbridge students are the biggest winners with the introduction of i4Geo.

“The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s geography department has provided me with many opportunities to work with emerging technologies, such as airborne and drone lidar, as well as do fieldwork across western Canada, learning the most current GIS and geospatial analysis techniques for both my undergraduate and graduate work,” says Emily Jones, a PhD student member of the i4Geo newly formed executive committee. “The TECTERRA-funded i4Geo institute will help continue these opportunities for myself and other students; opportunities to get hands-on research experience and networking opportunities that have real-life applications.”

The emergence of i4Geo is in large part thanks to TECTERRA’s continued support of geomatics-related study and innovation. Since 2009, TECTERRA has supported the advancement of the geospatial sector in Alberta through funding programs targeted at commercializing technology, and more recently has focused its efforts on academia to foster the next generation of geospatial experts and entrepreneurs.

“We understand that staying ahead of the curve requires constant adaptation and innovation and we are particularly excited about i4GEO’s commitment to developing unique academic programs. As the Institute continues to grow and evolve, we look forward to seeing the impact that its students, faculty and partners will have on the world,” says Monty Carter, Managing Chair at TECTERRA.

In 2023, TECTERRA invested $5.2 million in a Legacy Program for Alberta-based universities, out of which $1.3 million was directed to ULethbridge to fund various undergraduate and graduate awards for students engaged in geomatics-related fields, as well as further growth opportunities — i4Geo being one. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors also matched a portion of those funds as part of its commitment to student scholarships and bursaries.

“Our group of centres and institutes, now totalling 18, serve as exemplars of the incredible breadth of research taking place on campus,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, vice-president (research). “These centres push boundaries, spur innovation and provide opportunity for undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students to thrive in a rich multidisciplinary atmosphere that seeks answers to many of our most pressing societal issues. Adding i4Geo to this group further enhances the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s standing as a leader in this field of study.”

What excites Hopkinson about i4Geo is its broad, multidisciplinary nature. The institute offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in geography, remote sensing, environmental science, agricultural studies, geographical information science and computer science. There is also a major push to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, business incubation and community outreach.

“As a community of nationally leading geospatial ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and researchers, our faculty and students have so much to offer society beyond the day-to-day activities of degree-focused teaching and grant-funded research projects,” he says. “At its core, i4Geo’s goal is to provide a range of unique and complimentary pathways for community engagement and skills/knowledge dissemination, so that we can more effectively and collectively tackle a wide range of environmental challenges and nurture new opportunities.”

To that end, the institute debuted the first of its three-part series of workshops today — Using R for Geospatial Analysis: Part I. The three-hour workshops are intended for senior undergraduate and graduate students, while also offering individual modules via Continuing Education to members of the public in a blended learning environment.

“These workshops will allow us to support internal degree-level training needs, public education and outreach, as well as provide graduate students and postdoctoral fellows an excellent opportunity to share what they have learned and reinforce their own teaching portfolio in an area of their strength,” adds Hopkinson.

Finishing PhD student, Linda Flade, is hosting the first workshop and says they are designed to grow knowledge of geospatial work internally and externally.

“Through the opportunity afforded by i4Geo to embed my course on using R for geospatial analysis within this innovative series of workshops, I can share the knowledge gained during my PhD program with ULethbridge students and the public in a blended learning framework,” she says. “This will expand knowledge transfer from ULethbridge to the community and will further strengthen my teaching skills and experience.”

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge earns more than $1.3 million in TECTERRA support of geomatics students and programs

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:11:38 +0000

Geomatics students at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge are the key benefactors of a substantial investment from TECTERRA today, as the Canadian non-profit supporter of geomatics technology innovation has invested $5.2 million in a Legacy Program for Alberta-based universities.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) are recipients of this program. The Legacy Program offers financial aid for geomatics undergraduates, helps geomatics graduates commercialize technologies within their institution, attracts aspiring geomatics enthusiasts, offers co-op and internship opportunities for job placement, and invests in advanced technology to enhance geomatics education.

The TECTERRA gift will support geomatics students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Here, a student collects data in the field.

What it means for ULethbridge is more than $1.3 million from TECTERRA to fund various undergraduate and graduate awards for students engaged in geomatics-related fields along with other supports to grow capacity in this important area of study. ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors is also matching a portion of the funds as part of its commitment to student scholarships and bursaries.

“Providing financial support for our future leaders breaks down financial barriers that prevent students from being able to commit to their education full-time,” says Dr. Craig Coburn, professor and Chair of the Department of Geography and Environment. “With this strong financial support at the undergraduate and graduate level, unique programs, such as our undergraduate major in Remote Sensing, will continue to grow by attracting great students. Additionally, the graduate funding contribution is also important as it will allow students to pursue geospatial science and contribute to Alberta's vibrant geospatial community.”

The chosen post-secondaries will be recipients of financial support and expert guidance from TECTERRA, enabling them to actualize their industry-leading geomatics programs. This collaboration will have a substantial impact on moulding the future of the geomatics sector in Alberta and beyond.

“TECTERRA is excited to embark on this new journey of collaboration with Alberta’s universities,” says Monty Carter, Board Chair at TECTERRA. “Our aim is to fuel the geomatics industry’s growth by nurturing the talents of young minds, fostering innovation, and bridging academia with industry. Together, we’ll shape a bright future for geospatial technology in Alberta and Canada.”

Geomatics is a branch of science that deals with the collection, analysis and interpretation of data relating to the Earth’s surface. Geomatics-related fields include remote sensing, image analysis, cartography, resource management, GIS (geographic information system) analysis and consulting, among many others. TECTERRA, established in 2010, is a non-profit organization assisting geomatics technology companies and educators across Alberta. After more than a decade of successful collaboration with technology companies to expedite innovation, TECTERRA is now directing its focus toward academia to foster the next generation of geospatial experts and entrepreneurs.

“For the last decade, TECTERRA has supported growth and promoted innovation and commercialization across Canada’s geospatial technology sectors,” says Dr. Chris Hopkinson, a researcher in the Department of Geography & Environment and the Advanced Resolution Terradynamics Monitoring System Laboratory (ARTeMiS). “It’s great to see these Legacy Program investments to Alberta’s post-secondary institutions, where funds will support and reward innovations by emerging geospatial scholars, leaders and entrepreneurs.”

Geography students to benefit from new TECTERRA bursaries

caroline.zentner — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:55:04 +0000

Two new annual bursaries worth $10,000 each will give ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students studying remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) or geography a financial boost for the next five years thanks to a donation from TECTERRA, a Calgary-based, non-profit organization dedicated to the development of geospatial technology.

From left to right are Monty Carter, TECTERRA board chair, Dr. Matthew Letts, Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science, Kathy Greenwood, vice-president of development, alumni relations and community engagement, and Jonathan Neufeld, TECTERRA CEO.

“We are very grateful to TECTERRA for establishing these bursaries as they will help multiple senior undergraduate students pay for their education and allow them to devote more time to their studies and career paths,” says Dr. Derek Peddle, a ULethbridge professor of geography and environment and director of the Alberta Terrestrial Imaging Centre (ATIC), with expertise in remote sensing, GIS, spatial analysis software development and applications.

Since its inception in 2009, TECTERRA has supported hundreds of emerging technology startups and subject matter experts with financial support, expertise and coaching — and helped diversify Canada’s economy in the process.

“Ensuring the industry is equipped with a workforce is part of our mission to grow the geospatial industry. We are excited that our contribution can help support this by giving students a little extra for their efforts. Our hope is that these students will end up leading the industry someday,” says Jonathan Neufeld, CEO of TECTERRA INC.

The bursaries will go to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in remote sensing, computer science with GIS or geography. Students intending to pursue a career in GIS, remote sensing, land surveying, software development, spatial modelling, mapping or cartography, and those with experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, will be given preference. The awards will be given to students based on the number of credit hours they’ve completed and financial need.

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TECTERRA support helps launch i4Geo Institute for Geospatial Inquiry, Instruction and Innovation

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